A cousin just sent me to your website - Bytown or Bust - where I found great information. Our Howe / Hough family settled in the very north of North Gower in the late 1840's and we are always looking for more information to document them, such as the list of the baptisms at St. Patricks. But I also noticed that you made the comment that some Irish immigrants in the area later went on to work on the I & M Canal. That comment, combined with the fact that you have Bulgers and Slevins listed from the area, caught my eye. Is there some history that talks about that specific migration? (See more on the Hough / Howe family below, dated August 13, 2003 ... Al) I have a Slevin (also spelled Slavin or Slaven) married to a Bolger / Bulger, with some children born in Canada (no specific place) who then went on to settle in Lemont, Illinois around 1845 and to work on the canal. You may have given me some hope of finding the family in Canada. Thank you for your work on the website. Theresa Liewer Ankeny, Iowa
"And loud and fierce the clamor rose And words soon lost themselves in blows The very stones began to speak And skulls, of course, began to break And black thorns and maple sticks Played such fantastic ugly tricks That soon the well-thronged battle plain Was strewn with bodies of the slain The "Kilt" who fell to rise again Without the doctor's mystic aid And plunge once more into the raid Stones flew in showers The windows shook Around that famous donnybrook While Tipperary's battle yell Did loudly o'er the conflict swell And many a Celt with accent racy Roared for a SLAVIN or a CASEY And fierce the struggle raged around Where the seven Slavins stood their ground Seven brothers back to back they stood Like heroes tho their streaming blood Told bravely how they turned at bay Against hundreds in that savage fray O'erpowered at last they did retreat Face to the foe, still in defeat Defiant as they moved along Pursued by the relentless throng They reached their home, shut fast the door And stood within upon the floor Ready to meet the coming foe Who in their vengeance were not slow Stones showered from the assailing crew In pieces every window flew Then, with a loud and savage yell They rushed to storm the citadel! A gun barrel through a broken pane Made the invaders pause again A sharp axe sticking through another Their thirst for slaughter seemed to smother. A battle council then took place And very soon there was no trace Of conflict or of bloody fray Round where the Slavins stood at bay! Thus ended Bytown's first old Fair A donnybrook most rich and rare This annal of the olden time Was not premeditated crime It sprung from what sprung quite a part Of every genuine Irish heart A sort of Faugh a Ballagh way That sticks to Irishmen today." Source: Lett's Bytown Theresa: Thanks for your e-mail. I don't know if the Slavin brothers referred to in the above poem are your ancestors or not. I'm including the poem on this page because I like it and it well describes conditions in Bytown in the late 1820's. I don't know where the seven Slavin brothers went after the Rideau Canal was built. A Bridget Slaven married Peter Skeffington in Bytown at Notre Dame Church in 1841. Bridget may have been a sister of the seven brothers. Bridget was a widow at time of marriage to Peter - widow of William DOWNEY. ==================== October 24, 2001 According to Val Olander, it's William Downey, not Doronie. This may be the same William Downey who was in Bytown in 1829 (McCabe List) and who also came from County Meath, looks like "Rikinny" parish and townland ... Al The Skeffington's came to Bytown from Old Castle, County Meath, Ireland. They settled near where my ancestors settled in Osgoode Township, now part of the city of Ottawa. Some of them later went to Illinois. If you go to my search engine and search for Skeffington, you'll find (somewhere) an e-mail address for Howard Skeffington who may have some information. Similarly, for the Howe / Hough families you will find e-mail addresses for people researching these families. As for the I&M Canal workers, I believe there's a link to some group who has records on the canal workers on my main web page. I don't really have any information on specific families who may have moved from Ottawa to Illinois to work on the Canal. Finally, can you send me some information on your Slavin / Bulger connection? I may be able to dig up some more info. Thanks ... Al
To Marilyn Cottrell who transcribed the St. Patrick's Fallowfield Baptisms: Thank you very much for this extremely interesting information! I am a Kansas descendant of the Hough/Howe family which arrived at Fallowfield during the Great Famine (1847 or 1848). Evidently only one child of those who moved on to Kansas in the next decade was baptized at Fallowfield during those years -- John Howe in 1851 - son of Thomas Howe and Ann Corboy. This large extended family of Howes with original name spelling of Hough was from Lorrha in County Tipperary in case anyone else is looking for them. Most of them stayed in the environs of Fallowfield, Nepean, Manotick or North Gower, but four younger members moved on to Iowa and then Dickinson County, Kansas, in 1858. Ellen Cregan Anderton
August 17, 2001: Patrick Slevin / Slavin, born circa 1808 in Ireland, married Mary Bolger / Bulger. Mary was born circa 1803. It appears that they had four children born in Canada - Francis circa 1833, Mary circa 1834, James circa 1836 and Patrick circa 1837. By 1839 they were in Lemont, Illinois and in 1847, the elder Patrick and his son Francis are listed in the first pay records of the Illinois & Michigan Canal Company (they may have been working for subconractors prior to that.) Mary Slevin married another Irish immigrant, Phillip Barrett, who was also working on the I & M canal in 1847. The obituary for Mary Slevin Barrett says that she was born in Ottawa. Is there anyone with more information about the Slevin family in the Ottawa area. Theresa Liewer ============================ Note: There will be records for the Slavin family at Notre Dame Church in Ottawa. I'll check for you next time I'm at the Archives. There were also several Barrett brothers in Bytown working on the canal here. The Barrett's were from County Mayo, Ireland. ... Al
October 25, 2001 Theresa: Here are some more Slavin's: 1. Patrick Slavin from Hull (across the river from Ottawa), married on July 16, 1832 Mary Bulger from Bytown, at Notre Dame RC Church in Bytown. 2. Catherine Slavin, d/o Michael Slavin and Elizabeth Minogue (later to Osgoode then to U.S. ??) married June 11, 1832 to William Kilby, s/o Thomas Kilby and Catherine Diamond. Note: See below (November 15 e-mail from Theresa) 3. Bridget Slavin from Hull married Sep 26, 1831, Michael Mulligan from Fitzroy Harbour. (see below dated February 26, 2002) 4. Bridget Slaven, widow of William Downey, married Peter Skeffington on Apr 19, 1841. ... Al
Dear Al - Thank you so very much for sending the Slevin information. That first record is the marriage of my great-great-great grandparents. I returned from Ireland on Oct 3 and it took me a few weeks to get caught up at home and work, but last week I finally made it over to the local LDS Family History Center and ordered the parish records for Notre Dame. It will be two or so more weeks before they show up here, and I wanted them to be here the next day. Now I know that they are worth waiting for. After the marriage record, I will start looking through the baptisms. And see if my Barrett family shows up too. It is such a small world - two separate family lines that converged in 1915 when my grandparents married, came from the same area. The Slevins had left for Chicago before the Hough's arrrived in North Gower. But still, the odds seem remote. I will put together some family information and send it to you to post, once I get through the parish records. Thanks again Theresa
November 15, 2001 Al - The microfilm of the Notre Dame baptisms and marriages finally arrived at the local LDS Family History Center and I have been scouring it for Slevins and Bulgers and Barretts. I noticed that in October you posted a marriage date in 1832 for Catherine Slevin, daughter of Michael Slevin and Elizabeth Minogue. I think it must be a typo because it appears that Catherine was born in 1840. Her baptism was Nov 25, 1840. More to come Theresa Liewer
December 13, 2001 Is this maybe another Slavin brother, or maybe a nephew? Birth Record from St. Michael's Church in Huntley Township: Hanniway, Elizabeth daughter of Hanniway, James and Harrison, Jane was born on 2/28/1842 Witnesses were: Slavin, Andrew & LeRoue / LaRue, Harriet
December 13, 2001: Al - I was wondering about the marvelous poem that you posted about the 7 Slavin brothers. You said it was from Lett's Recollections of Old Bytown. Is it possible to still get a copy of the book. Otherwise, is there something in it that gives an approximate time period for this Canadian version of a faction fight. I am pretty sure that this has to be my family, but not because of a predisposition to brawling! I'm trying to figure out the last of the 7 brothers - I think I have identified 4 of them. Theresa Liewer =============== Theresa: The book is available from the Historical Society of Ottawa - mine came from the Bytown Museum. The snail mail address for the Historical Society is: P.O. Box 523 Station B Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 5P6 (at least this was the address in 1979) I'll try and find out if it's still available and will let you know if they now have an e-mail address. By the way, in 1829, at the time of the brawl at the Bytown Fair, Ottawa (now a docile government and high-tech city of about a million people) was a very tough frontier town. It was known as the toughest town outside of Tipperary. Violence was a way of life for the canal workers and the lumbermen from about 1826 to roughly 1860. Every family was involved in it because that's the way life was. The factions fought, for recreation, among themselves almost as much as between factions. For example, after the canal was finished in 1832, there were squatter settlements along the banks of the canal / river stretching from downtown Bytown to about Long Island, which is probably 15 miles or so away. There were settlements along the way, at Hog's Back, Black Rapids, and Long Island. On St. Patrick's Day each year, it was common for the Irish Catholics to parade from Centertown to Hog's Back to enjoy the day with their friends and family. They carried a large green flag and drank and fought their way out to Hog's Back, burned down a few of their friends' shanties and then returned home. At the early Fairs, if a fight hadn't broken out by 11:00 AM, it was incumbent on someone, anyone, to start one with whoever was beside him - most often his best friend! After 1829 the Fair was cancelled for about the next ten years. Some of the rural fairs were worse - with a couple of murders as late as the 1860's. Much of our history has been forgotten or covered up over the generations. The violence was at it's worst on St. Patrick's Day, the 12th of July Orangeman's Parade and at the numerous Fairs around the Ottawa Valley. I'm going to write about this one of these days (on a separate page). By now, most of us in Ottawa are a mixture of Irish Catholics, Protestants, French, English and Scotch. It's amazing how the old feuds from Ireland were carried on over here in the early days. I've read many articles, old newspaper reports, etc. which mention names of those involved in the more serious incidents - but no Slavins are ever mentioned. ... Al
January 3, 2001 Al: I forgot to mention to you that the Mary Slavin whose godfather was Lawrence Burns, is my ancestress. So your great great grandfather was my great great grandmother's godfather. Something of a tongue twister. It just shows what a small world this is. Theresa Note: Theresa has contributed an excellent description of the major source for Catholic genealogical records in early Bytown. ... Al
January 4, 2002 A quick glance at your webpage www.bytown.net/slavin.htm leads me to think there should be some interest in Jennifer Gleeson's web site documenting the Slevins of Lorrha, Borrisokane etc. of North Tipperary. see http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/g/l/e/Jennifer-A-Gleeson-Co-Tipperary/?Welcome=1010150497 Michael Slevin
January 20, 2002: Here's another piece to the Slavin puzzle: Father: Michael Mulligan Mother: Bridget Slavin Child: Bernard Mulligan Date of Birth: 20 December 1836 Godparents: Thomas O'Neill and Judith Kieley (Kealey) Source: Marilyn Cottrell's transcription from the early records of St. Phillip's Church in Richmond, Ontario
February 26, 2002: Hi Al and all; You have a wonderful website here and I want to thank you for sharing all your information with everyone. I am wondering if you have any more info on Mulligan's from Fitzroy or any advise as to where I could look. I am looking for anything on a Mary Mulligan who was born at Fitzroy c1825. Any assistance appreciated. Clare ============ Clare: There are some early references to the Fitzroy Mulligans at St. Michael's Church in Huntley. Here's the only Mary I found: Devine, Mary daughter of Devine, Andrew and Mulligan, Catherine was born on 11/29/1842 Godparents were: Galligan, David & Mulligan, Mary It's possible that Mary and Catherine were sisters. There are other births registered for Catherine Mulligan and Andrew Devine in the 1840's. After that, the records are probably at St. Michael's Church in Fitzroy Harbour. ... Al
March 5, 2002: Hi Theresa, I have just happened upon the Bytown web site. I am originally a Slevin from Tipperary and still live there. A friend and relation of mine Michael Slevin, I see has pointed you to my web site at http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/g/l/e/Jennifer-A-Gleeson-Co-Tipperary/ I love the poem about the 7 Slevins - does anyone know where in Tipperary they originated from? Or have any of you linked your Slevins/Slavins back to Ireland? I would love to know. Good luck with the research. (nee Slevin)
August 3, 2002: A Shiner named Byrne (Burns?) broke into the home of one Slavin. As Byrne put his head through the window, he was greeted by Slavin who split his head and broke his skull with an iron bar. Slavin fled into Lower Canada. Daniel O'Connor investigated the crime and sent word to Slavin when it was safe to return to Bytown. Slavin ran an unlicensed tavern and O'Connor, the magistrate, was the supplier of liquor to it. (1) Source: (1) The Dark Druidical Groves, by Michael Cross, page 439
February 7, 2003: I just happened across this last night. I am a Kilby. My great-great grandfather was a brother to William Kilby that married Catherine Slavin. I noted the question regarding their marriage date and I have to agree as I have William's birth date as May 5, 1836. My source is the Kilby family bible that belonged to their father - Thomas Kilby born in Holland but of English descent. I was quite excited to find your email. I am an amateur/beginner at this ancestry thing and enjoying it. William is the first information I have found regarding Thomas Kilby's family by his first wife Catherine Diamond. My g-g-grandfather is of his second marriage to Bridget Walsh after the death of Catherine (I'm assuming childbirth). I would love to get more info regarding William and his family. I have quite a bit of info on his siblings of the second marriage. We were very surprised to find that my g-g-grandfather was one of about 18! Thanks so much for providing the info to get me started on this lineage. Kim Brown (nee Kilby)
August 13, 2003:More on the HOUGH / HOWE pioneers My grandfather, Edward Howe, son of Thomas Howe of North Gower had a brother, John Howe, who had migrated to Aitkin, Minnesota to take up homesteading. The first summer there they had built a small log house, a log barn and a "log" sic, corral, and had a crop in. I believe it was in the spring of 1888 that John's wife died (the local paper said her name was "Mary" but I wouldn't count on that) with John following her in the fall. There are no cemetery records for either, although they (from same paper) were supposed to have been buried in Lake View cemetery, and I'm told there were several cemeteries by that name nearby ,in Aitkin County,at the time. The aper also reported that John Howe died "at home" but the probate of the homestead said he died at the home of a neighbor. I believe it was in the spring of 1889 that, Edward Howe, John's brother and my grandfather, came from North Gower to proceed with the details of probating his brother's estate/homestead. After a number of months the homestead was awarded to "the heirs of John Howe", following which, Thomas Howe (still living in North Gower) sold the 160 acres to Edward for the grand sum of $ 50.00. Could this family be the same as the one of which T. Liewer wrote in her message (undated). I have some info from St. Patricks' but seems like there were so many Howes in that area and every family seemed to favor the same given names. Good Luck. Bob Altrichter ___________________________ Also posted on August 13, 2003: Bob - I've been trying to put your Howe into the Howe family that Ellen Anderton and I ( as well as others) are connected to. The names and places are right but I'm having trouble getting it to work. In a family history, there is even a Howe son who moved to Minnesota, but not named John. Of course, the history could be wrong. I thought I would ask some questions and then start again. About when and where were John and Edward born? And about when did John move to Minnesota? I went into the 1880 census online and couldn't find any Howes in Aitkin County. I widened the search to all of Minnesota and still didn't get a hit on a John Howe that matched. I am assuming that he had no children since the heirs were his brother and father. Let me know. Theresa ___________________________ Also posted on August 13, 2003: Theresa - I think Bob is part of the Thomas Howe (son of Martin Hough and Mary Doorly / Dourley) family I have summarized in the back of the Howe history as follows: I. Thomas Howe 1816-1885 m. Ellen (Nellie) Hogan (1832-1864) in 1848 in Canada 1. Patrick Howe 1849 - never married 2. Michael Howe 1851 - married Regan- 2 children 3. James Howe 1852 - never married) 4. John Howe 1854 - married? no children - died at age 27 5. Thomas Howe 1856 - never married) 6. Edward Howe 1857 - died as baby 7. Martin Howe 1858 - m. Moloughney - 9 children 8. Edward Howe (II) 1861 - married-big family in Minnesota 9. Steven Howe 1862 - m. Broker-6 children 10. Baby Girl 1864 - mother and baby died Bob's grandfather is child #8, the second Edward. The brother he is talking about is John Howe, #4. Bob will be back to us after his computer gets out of the shop. I thought it was about time we heard from some Minnesota Howes - ha. Ellen
October 2, 2003:Mary Gleeson who married James Ryan Hello Jennifer, I have been trying to establish the family, siblings, parents etc of Mary Gleeson who married James Ryan. The only notes that I have on her are: 1) Death - 22 June 1910, St Martins, Martindale 2) As shown as the mother of Suzanna Ryan on her marriage to Patrick McCormick 1858 Portage Du Fort source: Marriages of Pontiac County 1836 1973. item 689 I do not know the date of her marriage to James Ryan however I believe that he may be related to the Ryans of Ryanville at Lac St Marie, Gatineau James died in 1895 and is also buried at St Martins, Martindale. They had 3 known children: Martin Ryan = Mary Hayes at Farrelltown 1864 Suzanna Ryan = Patrick McCormick 1858 Portage Du Fort Anne Ryan = Patrick Skahen abt 1859 I noticed your name in Als site and wondered if you had any connections also I had heard of a Martindale Pioneers cemetery index, do you know where this is available ? Thanks Dave
September 2, 2004:Ryans of Ryanville (near Maniwaki) My name is Shannon (Ryan) Clark and I am interested in information about the Ryans from Ryanville Quebec. I noticed that there is a note on your webpage about Mary Gleeson and James ( I have his name as Thomas) Ryan - they are my great grandparents. (see posting dated January 30, 2006 ... Al) I am just beginning to look into genealogy and family history and I would be interested in communicating with someone interested in the Ryans. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, Shannon
January 31, 2006: This was my note of September 2004: My name is Shannon (Ryan) Clark and I am interested in information about the Ryans from Ryanville Quebec. I noticed that there is a note on your webpage about Mary Gleeson and James (I have his name as Thomas) Ryan - they are my great grandparents. I am just beginning to look into genealogy and family history and I would be interested in communicating with someone interested in the Ryans. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, Shannon After further research there are several inaccuracies to note. I have great grandparents Thomas Ryan and Mary Gleason and 3rd great grandparents James Ryan and Mary Gleeson (these are the ones that Jennifer mentions). James and Mary Ryan are buried in Lac Ste. Marie and are related to the Ryans of Ryanville. I have some limited information that I would be happy to share. Please email me at gclark13@cogeco.ca. Thanks, ... Shannon _________________ Hello Shannon, I have quite a bit of information re. the Ryans from Ryanville. My wife is a descendant of this line starting with William Ryan b. abt 1793 + -. I have often thought that there was a connection between James Gleason and my wife's line but have not been able to pin it down. I would be happy to exchange any information that I have with you. ... Dave D.January 7, 2008: Just to let you know, my email has changed to gclark13@cogeco.ca Thanks, ... Shannon (new address included in the list below ... Al)
E-mail Marilyn Cottrell, Theresa Liewer, Ellen Cregan Anderton, Jennifer Gleeson, Clare, Kim Brown, Bob Altrichter, Dave, Shannon Clark and Al Lewis
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