Sailing Toward Dreams: A Family’s Transatlantic Story: O’Shea Patrick 1835 – 1912 & Hannan Mary 1845 – 1917

Assumed Fact – 1885 July 15, Patrick J O’Shea Kilmacanerla in court, £1.15.6 country coss (?)

Assumed Fact – 1886, Dec 1 Patrick J Shea Kilmacanerla in court: £1.14.9 county coss (?) decree granted with costs 4/6

1887 July 27 at the Petty Sessions Court in Ballingarry an eviction notice of not more than 7 days and not less than 10 days was handed down to Patrick and his family.  Bailiff Daniel Ryan was ordered to ensure the eviction.

Troy, NY is known as the “Collar City” because of the shirt collar industry. Troy is also the northern most point of access by water on the Hudson River, making for easy transport to and from NYC. Therefore, many Irish immigrants made their way up the river from NYC for employment.

1900 U.S. Census – Life in Troy, New York

By 1900, the O’Shea family had firmly established themselves in Troy, Rensselaer County, New York, a city that had become a booming industrial hub in the late 19th century, known for its ironworks, textile mills, and collar factories. They resided at 16 St. Peter Street, a working-class neighborhood likely filled with other Irish immigrant families.

Mary O’Shea is recorded as having given birth to 11 children, with 9 still living—a testament to the high child mortality rates of the time.  All family members except Kate are literate, yet none are documented as having attended school, suggesting they may have learned at home and in the “hedge school“.

Occupations and Challenges

The census reflects the economic struggles common among Irish immigrants in industrial cities. Patrick Sr. and Thomas worked as day laborers, though Patrick Sr. experienced 5 months of unemployment and Thomas, 2 months—a hardship that would have made providing for the large family difficult.

• Patrick Jr. worked for the Troy Railroad, a major employer in the city.

• James was employed as a teamster, likely driving horse-drawn wagons for goods transportation.

• John worked as a cigar maker, but the census notes he had 5 months of unemployment, highlighting instability in that industry.

• Michael worked as a messenger, possibly delivering telegrams or running errands for businesses.

Kate’s Blindness

A significant note in the census is that Catherine (Kate) O’Shea was blind.  The cause is unknown, but blindness in the 19th century was often due to illness, malnutrition, or untreated infections like trachoma.  Given that Troy had limited healthcare for the working class, Kate’s condition would have greatly impacted her daily life and future opportunities.

Missing Family Members

Notably, Mary Ann and Margaret do not appear in the 1900 Census.  This could indicate that they had married, moved elsewhere, or possibly passed away before the census was taken.  I need to search further for records to clarify.

Their neighbors in No. 17 are the Nally family from Ireland; their parents, Alice and Kerin, were born in Ireland only; – children are five daughters, all born in New York. – I am recording this here because I have unidentified photos of Nallys or McNallys from my mom and so I am seeking connections.

1905 U.S. Census – A New Home and a Family Loss

By 1905, the O’Shea family had moved to 16 St. Mary’s Avenue, Troy, a shift that may have been influenced by changing work opportunities or a need for better housing. However, their new residence was soon marked by sorrow. On June 10, 1905, Hanora’s infant daughter, Catherine Ethel, tragically passed away at just one year old, adding to the family’s history of loss.

Occupations and Household Roles

• Patrick Sr. and Thomas continued their day labor work, likely in construction, manufacturing, or general labor.

• Mary O’Shea continued to manage the household.

• Catherine (Kate) remained at home, likely due to her blindness, which would have severely limited her employment opportunities in this era.

Some of the sons had shifted careers, reflecting the evolving job market:

• Patrick Jr. was now employed as an electric conductor, possibly on the city’s growing electric trolley system, which had become a popular mode of transportation in urban areas.

• James transitioned from a teamster to an insurance agent, a more stable profession that may have provided better financial security.

• John continued as a cigar maker, an industry that still had strong demand but was facing increased mechanization.

• Michael took up a new trade as a printer, a skilled profession likely tied to newspapers or publishing houses in Troy.

Mary Ann and Margaret Return Home

Notably, Mary Ann and Margaret had returned home, both working as collar stitchers—a job connected to Troy’s booming collar and cuff industry.  Troy was known as the “Collar City” due to its dominance in manufacturing these fashionable accessories, and many Irish immigrant women found employment in these factories.  Their return may suggest they had experienced financial hardship, the loss of a spouse, or other personal difficulties that necessitated moving back in with their parents.

1909 – 1913 Michael (25) and Mary Ann (44) went home to Ballingarry, Ireland, and stayed with William Power, their aunt Ellen’s widower, – recorded in the Irish 1911 Census and a newspaper article in New York.  They appear to have stayed for about 3 months.  Why did they stay in Ireland for four years?  What did they do?  Michael (29) sailed from Queenstown on December 1, 1913 bound for Ellis Island, New York

1910 US Census

In the 1910 US Census we are given the following information – some of it is not in line with previous information given.  The family still resides at 16 St. Mary’s Avenue, renting their accommodation.  They immigrated in 1888 and are now naturalized citizens.  Mary records nine children born and nine children living.  Patrick Sr., Patrick Jr., and Thomas are noted as veterans.

Patrick Sr. is 65 and works as a public works laborer.  Thomas is a shirt ironer in a collar shop and experienced 10 weeks of unemployment.  Patrick Jr. serves as a railroad conductor.  James works as an insurance agent in the Metropiler Industry (possibly a misspelling or obscure industry name).  John is the proprietor of a Notion Store (haberdashery).  Catherine is able to read and write and is not listed as blind.  Margaret, aged 21, is the only one noted as having attended school, with no recorded occupation.  Michael and Mary Ann are not listed on the census; they are in Ireland, visiting with Patrick’s sister Ellen and her husband, William Power.  Family rumor had it that they went to Ireland about a land dispute – however the appeal to have their tenancy at Kilmacanerla restored is the only land issue I know about.

On September 12, 1912,  Patrick O’Shea died in Troy, New York, when he was 67 years old.  The following is not a true copy of the death cert but one that was done by hand and I believe the writer made an error in Patrick’s mother’s name because the Medical Attendant was also named Lyons.  Plus I can find no record of Catherine whereas everything else about Patrick fits into the Kilmacanerla O’Shea’s.

On October 31, 1912, James Francis married Lillian Minehan.

1917, April 23 Mary passed away in Troy, New York, at the age of 72.

1916 on March 23 Michael was appointed to the Troy Police Dept/

1918 – Patrick signed up for the Draft

1918 James Francis signed up for the draft but has rickets in both legs.

1920 US Census Family—or some of it—has moved to number 194, 4th Street, Troy.  The ages appear to be completely wrong.

Patrick Jnr 30 is registered as head of house, single, and a state factory inspector.  John 28, single, is a cigar maker.  Michael 26 is single and a policeman; Margaret 24 and Catherine 22 are both single.

Missing from the census are Mary Ann, Thomas, Annie M, 

In 1928 Michael was promoted to Police Captain.

1930 US Census

In the 1930 US Census, the family resides at 194, 4th Street, Troy, renting the space for $35 per month.  In addition to the family, two female boarders reside with them.  The household is equipped with a radio set.  Their immigration year is noted as 1900.  Surrounding neighbors primarily consist of Italian and Irish immigrants, with a mix of German and Syrian backgrounds.

• Michael, listed as the head of the household, is now 30 years old and serves as a Police Captain in the Troy Police Force.
• Catherine, aged 55, resides with them.
• Patrick Jr., 45, holds the position of Factory Inspector for New York State and remains unmarried.  Patrick was highly respected in his field and delivered lectures across New York State, advocating for enhancements in workplace safety standards.
• James, aged 42, works as a Salesman for an Umbrella Factory and is also single.
• John, 38, is unemployed and previously worked as a Cigar Maker.
• Margaret, 35, did not receive formal education,  She is single and has no occupation

Among the boarders is Josephine Lynch, aged 42, is a widow who was married at 20 years old.  Her normal occupation is that of a cook in a private house but she is currently unemployed.  She immigrated from Ireland in 1910.   The other boarder, Mary Rudy, aged 25, is single and works as a dressmaker in a Dress Factory.  She immigrated from Ireland in 1920.

1936, April 23  Mary passed away in Troy, New York, aged 72.

1938, Oct 19 Catherine died in Troy, New York, aged 73.

1939, April 17 Thomas died in Troy, New York.  He was survived by two daughters; Marion Theresa and Rita.  He had a problem with alcohol.

1940 U.S. Census – A New Household and Changing Fortunes

By 1940, Patrick and Michael O’Shea had moved into a rented house at 577 Congress Street, Troy, New York. This census offers insight into their education, employment status, and financial standing, highlighting the stark contrast in their lives.

Patrick O’Shea (64) – A Widowed and Unemployed Elder

At 64 years old, Patrick O’Shea was widowed and had not worked in 1939, leaving him with no recorded income. His education ended at 7th grade, which was common for working-class men of his generation, especially among Irish immigrants who often had to leave school early to contribute to family earnings.

The Great Depression (1929-1939) had left many older men unemployed, and Patrick may have been among those who struggled to find work in the aftermath of the economic downturn. Without a pension or savings, he likely relied on Michael for financial support.

Michael O’Shea (54) – A Career in Law Enforcement

In contrast, Michael O’Shea, aged 54, remained single and had built a stable career in law enforcement, rising to the rank of Police Captain—a respectable position that reflected years of dedication.

Michael had completed 8th grade, slightly more than Patrick, and was fully employed:

• In the week before the census was taken, he worked 99 hours—a grueling schedule suggesting heavy demands on law enforcement.

• He had worked the full 52 weeks in 1939, meaning he had steady employment during a period when many were still struggling post-Depression.

• His annual income was $1,950, a decent salary at the time.

As a Police Captain, Michael would have been part of a structured civil service job with benefits, a pension, and job security—unlike Patrick, who was left with no financial support. The contrast between the brothers illustrates the importance of stable employment and government jobs during an era when economic hardship could devastate those without such security.

1941

• Jan 17 – John died in Troy, New York.
• April 25 – James Francis died.  He had an alcohol problem.
• Sept 29 – Honora died aged 75

1942  at the age of 59, Michael signed up for the draft

On January 1st, 1944, Michael, who served as Captain of the First Precinct, retired from the Troy Police Force after dedicating 27 years to the service.  It was Michael and Patrick who mostly shouldered the responsibility of caring for the family.  Tragically, just six months later, on July 28th, 1944, around 4 PM, Michael passed away from a heart attack.  He had been admitted to Troy Hospital earlier that day, at noon.  His funeral took place at St. Mary’s Church, followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The following from Nancy Hayes in USA: