George McSheffrey was born in 1871 in Culdaff, Donegal, to Michael McSheffrey & Margery McLaughlin. His father died in May 1880, when George was only 9 years old, and his mother died in March 1910. He married Catherine Farren around 1889 – 1900.
Children of George McSheffrey and Catherine Farren
1893 – Mary Kate (Catherine) McSheffrey, born on September 2nd, lived with her mother Catherine and brother Patrick J at an apartment located at 361 E. Eight St. In 1950, Mary Kate was 50 years old and remained unmarried. She worked as a domestic servant, doing an average of 36 hours per week in a private household. Mary Kate passed away on October 5, 1985, in Weymouth, MA.
1895 – James McSheffrey. Married Catherine Walsh and had one son + two daughters
1897 – George McSheffrey was born on February 10, 1895. At the age of 21 years old, he fell victim to cerebrospinal fever (an epidemic) contracted in Boston. He died in the US Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Suffolk, Mass., on March 12, 1918.
1899 – John Joseph McSheffrey. He was alive in the 1911 Irish census. He did not travel to the US with the family so I assume he died young.
1901 – Madge McSheffrey. Might have married Eric Gustav Anderson from Sweden but not enough proof.
1903 – Bridget McSheffrey – no trace of her after arriving in US
1904 – Cecilia McSheffrey – Died 1990
1907 – Elizabeth McSheffrey – Died 1959
1910 – Patrick J. McSheffrey – never married. Died 1993
1911 – Teresa McSheffrey – never married. Died 1990
1914 – Margaret McSheffrey
There are many gaps in their story, but it comes together piece by piece. It would appear they made a family decision to move to the United States.
Part 1 of the migration to the USA
In February of 1915, the three eldest sons of George McSheffrey and Catherine Farren—Michael (23), George (18), and James (19)—along with their cousin James McElgunn (22), embarked on a voyage from Liverpool aboard the ship ‘Saint Paul’ bound for New York. Their destination was the residence of another cousin named George McSheffrey, located at 109 Heath St., Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts.
While I have managed to locate this cousin George, his wife, Catherine McDaid, and their family, the precise connection within the family tree remains elusive for now.
Tragically, the subsequent year, on November 3, 1916, at the tender age of 24, James McElgunn passed away in the City Hospital in Boston due to military tuberculosis. His remains were laid to rest from the residence of his cousin, George McSheffrey and Catherine McDaid.
On June 5, 1917, the young George, son of Michael and Margery from Culdaff, dutifully registered for the draft. Subsequently, on November 12, 1917, he answered the call to duty by enlisting in the US Navy, assuming the role of “Fireman 3/c in the U.S. Naval Reserve Force during World War One—Seaman McSheffrey”. His residence at the time of enlistment was 85 Barry St., Boston (Dor), Mass., and he held the position of Manager at a grocery store located at 1056 Freemont St. Tragically, a mere six months later, at the age of 21, he succumbed to cerebrospinal fever—an epidemic that swept through Boston. George passed away on March 12, 1918, while under care at the US Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Suffolk, Mass.
In the following years, Michael and James diligently endeavored to establish themselves in Massachusetts. Michael embarked on the journey of marriage and parenthood when he married Nora O’Sullivan, raising a family of his own. Meanwhile, James devoted himself to the task of creating a new home for his parents and siblings.
The census records for 1920 reflect James’s continued residence with his cousin George, as he remained steadfast in his commitment to providing for his family’s transition to their new home in America.
In 1920, sorrowful tidings made their way from Boston to Ireland, informing George and Catherine of the loss of their first grandchild, George, who passed away a mere 20 days after birth. Despite this tragedy, their spirits were lifted months later with the joyful return of Michael and Nora. Nora, expecting their second child, gave birth in Ireland in the summer of 1921, specifically in June. Following the arrival of James Joseph, Michael and his wife Nora extended their stay with his parents George and Catherine for another 11 months, sailing from Londonderry to New York on June 10, 1922.
Part 2 of the migration to the USA
1922 – On September 2, 1922, at the age of 22, Madge embarked on a voyage from Londonderry aboard the “Colombia,” destined for New York, while her elder sister, Mary Kate, remained at home to help their parents provide for and take care of the younger children. Departing on September 2, she arrived on September 10. Her occupation was recorded as dressmaking. Madge’s intended residence upon arrival was with her brother, James, now located at 85 Barry St., Boston, Massachusetts. This relocation indicates that between 1920 and 1922, James transitioned from his previous residence at 93 Barry St. to his new address at 85 Barry St. Madge arrived on Ellis Island, New York, on September 10, 1922.
Part 3 of the migration to the USA
I believe the following photos were taken in Londonderry before the McSheffrey family sailed to America. They were among my grandmother’s family photos. I am guessing they were taken at a photographer’s studio in Derry and given to my great grandmother by her brother, George McSheffrey to remember his family. Unfortunately, I don’t know exactly who is who.
1924 – On November 15, 1924, the parents, George and Catherine, now aged approximately 63 and 58, respectively, embarked on a journey from Ireland via Londonderry aboard the ship “Cameronia,” bound for New York. Accompanying them were their children: Mary Kate (29), Bridget (21), Cecilia (20), Elizabeth (18), Patrick J. (14), Teresa (12), and Maggie (10). Their ultimate destination was the residence of their son, James, located at 34 Cameron St., Dorchester, Mass.
34 Cameron St., Boston
1924 George McSheffrey 2 Ship Cameronia
1924 Nov 15 Maria & Elis McSheffrey Londonderry to NYCameronia
After a voyage spanning several days, they arrived at Ellis Island, New York, on November 24, 1924, marking the beginning of their new chapter in America.
6 years later – 1930, the family resides at 80 Olney St., Boston, MA, paying a monthly rent of $45.
80 Olney St., Boston
According to the 1930 census, George, aged 59, works as a gardener, while his wife Catherine tends to the home and their children: James, 35 is employed as a store manager, Elizabeth, 23 (a waitress in homes but is not currently working, so I assume this means a maid in private house when she can find work), Patrick J., 20 is s store helper but currently unemployed, Teresa, 18 and Margaret, aged 16, currently have no occupations
On the 1930 census for the Shaw household, we will find Cecilia, aged 25, serving as a maid in a grand residence located at 11 Exeter Street, Boston, Mass.
Madge works as a waitress and servant in the household of Charles Stetson, a lawyer, at 141 Bay Street Road, Boston, Mass. In this household, she works with a housekeeper and a chambermaid. Update – I need to verify this is our Madge as I have recently discovered another Madge with almost identical family details.
Two people are missing from the family census of 1930, and they are:
Marie K. nor can I find her anywhere else in the US census for that year – question: where was Marie K in April 1930?
Bridget – I have nothing at all on Bridget.
1930 census for George and most of his family
In 1933 the family celebrated the marriage of James to Catherine Walsh.
The McSheffrey Mystery – there is a mystery that begins for the McSheffrey family – at least it is a mystery for me. I have outlined that mystery on a separate page and will continue the family story separate to the mystery below.
In 1935, George embarked as a passenger aboard the ship “Tuscania”. Travelling alone he departed from Boston and arrived in Londonderry on 23 June. He remained in Ireland for 4 months until October 9th when he left Londonderry for Boston. During his time in Ireland, he resided with his cousin James in Ballycharry, Culdaff.
1935 June 23 George McSheffrey NY to Donegal
1935 Oct 8 George McSheffrey Londonderry to Boston.
Three years later, on April 21, 1938, George accompanied his daughter, Madge (Margaret), aged 37, on a voyage from New York to Moville aboard the Steamship Cameronia. It appears they spent over four months in Culdaff during this period. It’s possible that George may have felt a strong connection to his homeland or had other personal reasons for extended stays in Ireland.
1938 April 21 George McSheffrey NY to Moville
They embarked from Londonderry on the same ship on September 10, 1938, traveling in 3rd class.
George and daughter Madge (Margaret) visit Ireland 1938
1938 Sept 10 George McSheffrey Londonderry to NY
FAST FORWARD IN TIME TO 2018
In the summer of 2018, I spent a few days in Donegal. I met a man named (charlie?) Knox who told me that George came home intending to build a new house next to the old one. Both houses are now owned by Mr. Knox’s son. So it seems the dream did not come to pass for George. On the same day, I met another man who told me he remembered his grandfather buying a boat from George before they left for America. The full story of that day is here https://www.sheacollins.com/mcsheffrey-michael-1823-1880-mclaughlin-margery-1825-1910/
1940 – Madge – not 100% sure of this
Madge is married to Eric Anderson, a 41-year-old machinist from Sweden. Eric completed his education up to the fourth year of high school. Madge, aged 40, and Eric are residing in rented accommodation at 12 Batchelder St. They both hold naturalized citizenship status.
1943 George and Catherine live at 73 Baxter SB, Boston. I am assuming that Marie Kate and Patrick J. also lived there.
George McSheffrey died in June 1947 at the age of 76, and was buried in Section 17 NA, NA 397 in New Calvary Cemetery, Mattapan, Suffolk county, MA, USA. His son Michael died the same
1950
The mother, Catherine, widowed and aged 85, is living with her son, Patrick J., who is an interior decorator and, aged 40, is Head of House. Also living with them is Marie Kate, now 50, never married and working as a domestic housekeeper in a private house. They live in an apartment on the 1st Floor at 361 E. Eight St., Boston, Ma.
1950 census for Patrick J, Catherine and Margaret
1956 – Catherine Farren McSheffrey passed away at the age of 91. If I could find her obituary it might answer some questions about who was still alive at the time of her death.
1930 census Madge
1940 census for Madge and Eric Anderson
On 8 May 1959 Elizabeth passed away and was buried at Section 8, New Calvary Cemetery, Mattapan, Suffold County, MA., USA.
1969 – Cecelia, Margaret, and Theresa are living at 27 Howland St, Boston.
27 Howland St.
1968 they were living at 591 Norton, Boston
1971, 1972 – Cecelia, Margaret, and Theresa are living at 27 Howland.
In Nov 2003 Margaret McSheffrey the youngest child of George and Catherine McSheffrey passed away. She is buried in Section 4 NA, NA, 3047, New Calvary Cemetery, Mattapan, Suffolk County, MA., USA
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Folklore by George McSheffrey:
In March 1924 the year that George and his family immigrated to the USA, he told a story to the local school teacher about St. Boden. The teacher included the tale in the Duchas Schools Collection and you can read it at the end of this page. Here is the online link to it https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4493804/4422352
The Story of St. Bodan as told by George McSheffrey
