2. Irish Family Heritage

As a follow on to my initial blog, these are the families I am currently researching and hoping to tie up if there is any evidence that my Paternal side ever came across my Maternal side :

Maternal - Burton - Co. Carlow (Burton Hall)

• Benjamin Burton (8th GGF)

Married Grace Stratford, and became a Brother-In-Law to another 8th GGF Henry Persse (Grandfather of Col. William Persse of Roxborough). Benjamin was Alderman in Dublin and served as Lord Mayor in 1706. He represented Dublin as a Member of Parliament (MP) between 1703-1723.
He purchased lands in 1712 at Burton Hall in Co. Carlow. 

• Sir Charles Burton (7th GGF)

Once a Lord Mayor of Dublin (1753) and very well respected man.
He made a passionate plea with the then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Lord Townshend), that Townshend made a mistake in the sacking of his Son-In-Law, Sir Edward Newenham, from the House of Commons, in very controversial circumstances.

• Grace Anna Burton (6th GGM)

Daughter of Sir Charles, married Sir Edward Newenham, had 18 children.
 
Maternal - Newenham - Carrigaline, Cork :

• Sir Edward Newenham (6th GGF) MP & Colonel - Dublin "Liberty Volunteers" (1734-1814)

Was a "House of Commons" Parliamentarian during the mid to late 1700's. Was a very staunch Protestant and had the tendancy to not like the Catholic power. He did not like the British running of Ireland. Discussed his displeasure of the Government proceedings, in the local newspaper under an alias/ "non de plume" of "Brutus" (very vocal character).
Was a very large land owner, but his money management skills failed him and he ended up in debtors prison (Kilmainham Gaol). Unfortunately, this issue lead to the Family disowning him towards the end of his life, particularly, with Edward Worth (his eldest son - 5th GGF)
Was a personal friend to George Washington, John Jay, Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis Lafayette. Edward's wife - Lady Grace Anna Burton (Daughter of Sir Charles Burton - Lord Mayor of Dublin) and family were touring France and they had dinner with Ben Franklin, and Lafayette. Also a very good friend of James Napper Tandy (1798 United Irishman). He would have followed Napper Tandy into being a "United Irishman", but he didn't. Though to follow Napper Tandy, it would have gone against his beliefs. He was initially against the Act of Union, but at the 11th hour, changed his views, due to the rising of the Catholic Movement. He relented on his initial decision and then advocated for the "Act of Union", to in a way to dis-inherit power from the Catholics, but as he did not sit in the last "Irish" parliament, his vote couldn't be cast.
Sir Edward is depicted in Francis Wheatley's painting "The Irish Volunteers in College Green" 4 November 1779 (Set along side the Duke of Leinster's "Dublin Volunteers")
His life (the goods and the bads) allowed me to utilise skills, to understand many others with hard to follow lives. It has been very helpful in understanding politics and "the games played".

• Son of Sir Edward - Edward Worth Newenham (5th GGF) (1767-1832)

Land Owner. Married into the 'Persse' family of Roxborough (Married Elizabeth Persse daughter of Colonel William Persse and Sarah Blakeney of Roxborough, Co. Galway). Owned and Operated a Coal / Lead and Silver mine in Tipperary - Killenaule / Shallee. These lands were inherited as part of his marriage settlement.
Became a Captain - Dublin "Liberty" Volunteers under his father.
Wined and dined with Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Maquis of Lafayette whilst visiting in France with his father.
Became a Galway Magistrate, led raids on homes looking for arms during the "Men from the '98" days.
It is believed that Edward Worth, also had issues with the Catholics becoming a dominance and around 1820-1822, he left Ireland and headed for Boulogne, France. He died in Boulogne France in 1832. In many ways, he was like his Father about Catholics, but I see no physical action against them, rather he used just words. Again, you need to see the good and the bad side, to understand why they said and did things, otherwise you draw a 1 sided conclusion.

• Son of Edward Worth - Henry Hood Newenham (4th GGF) (1805-1895)

Born in Dublin, possibly Blackrock, not much known about early life.
He was named after Lord Hood (Samuel Hood R.N). Henry's elder brother, served under Lord Hood and the family was personally known to Lord Hood, via Henry's Uncle.
He moved with his family to France and was in France at the time of his father's death (1832)
He married his first cousin - Annie Blakeney Persse in Athenry, Co Galway Ireland in 1837. It seems they may have married around Castle Blakeney. The Taylor's from Castle Taylor witnessed the wedding.
Henry and Annie, left for France, had a few children there and then headed for the Jersey Islands and waited out the Famine on the island, before coming to Melbourne. There is a thought that Henry Hood, may have had a connection to Melbourne before he came here, as he was in a Government Job (councils) within a few months of arriving here. Many of the Newenham's fought in the Napoleonic wars. Henry didn't serve, as he was the youngest son to survive, so I gather he was told to stay away from the Famine to protect the family. Though the Newenham estate was no more as it got sold off at the time he was in Jersey. (over 1700 acres in various areas around Cork, sold at auction after the famine). However, later details showed that lands had not been completely disposed of.
Henry shows history of the families inheritance's transcending down the lineage, even to his children, that shared a very strong connection to Ireland (Tipperary Mines) atleast until the 1930's/1940's.
Henry's involvement in Melbourne Australia, seemed to not show any animosity to other religions, but as if, to treat all as equal. Even working under Sir Charles Gavan Duffy's (former "Young Irelander") rule of the Water Board, Henry did not show any disdain.
Henry's 1st cousin, Charles Burton Newenham, was the Sheriff of South Australia for around 20 odd years around the time Adelaide was formed into a City.

Maternal - Hasler - Dublin & Galway

• Sir John Hasler - (6th GGF)

Chamberlain to Lord Lieutenant Townshend (1770's) and Duke of Rutland

• John Hasler - (5th GGF)

Chamberlain to Duke of Rutland

• William Benjamin Hasler (4th GGF) (1802-1859)

Not much known about him, was a 'Civil Servant' and had ties to a house named 'Whitehill' in Co. Wexford. William lived in and was a farmer in Galway City. He was of the St.Nicholas Church, married there - children baptised there and was buried on the grounds of the church, his wife Hannah Scott along with his children left Galway sometime in the 1850's and headed for Dublin (Kingstown/Dalkey area), as most of the Hasler's were based in this area.
There is some form of heresay, that there is a German part to this family, but it is not known who came from Germany, or if indeed there was a form of German ancestry.

• Frederick John Hasler (3rd GGF) (1838-1920)

Born in Galway City, lived at 18 Dominick Street (Upper?) and was an accomplished photographer (as well as his younger brother George)
He spent his working life as a photographer in most areas of Ireland. He left Ireland for Melbourne Australia in 1869.There is possible suggestive evidence to assume that Frederick had a connection to the Newenham's, before he landed here. As when Frederick disembarked from the boat, a piece of luggage was in the name of "Henry Hood Newenham", but not a Hasler.
He ended up marrying the Great Grand Daughter of Sir Edward Newenham - Eliza Persse Newenham (1842-1891 & direct 3 GGM) in Melbourne Australia in 1872.
He still worked as a photographer in Melbourne, whereby he worked in conjunction with his younger brother and sister-in-law (George Hasler and Emily O'Shannessy) of the firm Johnstone O'Shannessy, based at 3 Bourke St. It was then, after 1885, based at 55-57 Collins Street until 1905.
He had his own business of photography and when his brother died in 1897, he ran / worked in a photography business in Adelaide (in conjunction with Johnstone O'Shannessy). Died in Melbourne in 1920 and buried with his wife.
Frederick was an accomplished sportsman, particularly in rowing, both in Galway and Melbourne.
He used to row upon the River Corrib and may have been a foundation member of the Corrib Rowing Club, just prior to 1869. He would also row in local clubs on the Yarra River, also would partake in photographing rowing events - held upon the Yarra - around the 1870's in Melbourne.

Maternal - Persse - Galway
*Note - Persse family had a lot of marriages within the family*

Land Owners in Galway. My link is from the "Roxborough" Persse's, there is also Persse's from Moyode Castle. Henry Stratford Persse ran the Persse Distillery (Top 5 world most expensive Whiskey's).
Most of them had high positions in the courts - Sheriff's and Magistrates.
This family inter-married quite a lot. Marriage of 1st cousins happened quite a bit.

The most celebrated Persse member, when the word Irish and Persse come to mind is Lady Gregory (Isabella Augusta Persse), folklorist / founded the Irish Literary Theatre.
She is a 2nd Cousin 5 x removed to me. Common ancestor is Col William Persse.

• William Persse - (6th GGF) (Colonel - Roxborough Volunteers 1770's)

Not greatly researched yet (concentrated on the children of)

•  Elizabeth Persse - (5th GGM)

Elizabeth was the daughter of Col. William Persse and Sarah Blakeney. She married Edward Worth Newenham in 1787. Their first son - Edward Worth Newenham, was born exactly 9 months after the wedding and was born in the Roxborough estate. They lived in Galway for many years and had children in and around the Roxborough and Hampstead estates.
She was a Great Aunt to Lady Gregory. (Lady Gregory's Grandfather - Robert Persse, was a brother to Elizabeth)
Due to the fact that her Father-In-Law and her Husband were estranged later in life, it does seem there was some communication, between Sir Edward and Elizabeth as some sort of consolation.

• Annie Frances (could be "Blakeney Persse"?) Persse (4th GGM)

Direct 4th GGM, Born in Dublin to William Blakeney Persse and Anne Blood and was daughter in-law of Elizabeth Persse, but also a direct Niece as well. She married Henry Hood Newenham (who was also half Persse / youngest son of Elizabeth). That makes Henry and Annie 1st cousins.
Annie had a sister, Charlotte that made her way to Australia too.
Not much is known about Annie, as most of the communication of the family was through Henry Hood Newenham.

Maternal - Blakeney - Galway/Athenry?

• Not greatly researched but has strong ties to Athenry, the Newenham's and the Persse's.

Maternal - Blood - Co. Clare (Applevale/Roxton?)

• Not greatly researched, but Anne Blood (direct Maternal 5th GGM), was a daughter of Neptune Blood and Marianne Davies. From Applevale, Co Clare.

• The Blood's of Applevale Co. Clare, are relatives of "Colonel Thomas Blood", who attempted to steal the Crown Jewels. Because of the the direct linkage on my Maternal line to the Blood family, it then goes on the paternal line to the Grandfather of  Col.Thomas Blood -  Captain Edmund Blood. This in turn has made me a 1st cousin 11x removed to Col. Thomas Blood.

Maternal - MacNevin - Gort, Galway & Dublin

• Daniel MacNevin (5th GGF)
• Richard Charles MacNevin (4th GGF)
• Thomas Edwin MacNevin (3rd GGF)

Also known as 'McNevin' 'Nevin' or maybe 'Knavin'
Mainly from Dublin, but also of Gort, Co Galway.
Were of the occupation of Solicitor / Barrister's. Daniel was a "right hand man" to Daniel O'Connell - the great catholic emancipator.
Thomas MacNevin Esq (Daniel's son - Distant Uncle to me) is known for being a co-contributor to "The Nation" newspaper and was a part of the "Young Ireland" movement in the 1840's
Thomas was one of the best Law person's you could get in Ireland at the time. William Keogh was a witness to Thomas's wedding to Ellis Letitia Blake.
Richard Charles MacNevin (4th GGF) - Solicitor / Barrister etc Richard wrote many books, on how to deal with estates and incumberances (sp?) of Lands after the "great famine". Missing landlords and debts incurred on estates was a massive part of the recovery after the famine. Thomas E MacNevin (3rd GGF) came to Brisbane / Sydney as a teenager, just after his father's death. Became a major influence in the law system in Sydney. Was part Magistrate / Coroner and also learnt the score of writing manuals from his Father / Uncle, on how to deal with "being" a coroner and judge.

•  Phillip MacNevin (2nd GGF) (1878ish-1946)

Born in Sydney, parents were Thomas Edwin MacNevin and Edith Ashworth Snape. He married a Annie Henriette Hasler (aka Marie Josephine Hasler - direct 2nd GGM), but had a very bad ending to their marriage. As I'm still discovering what exactly happened. Philip seemed to be very disjointed from the family, as there is very little about him and family ties to Sydney, other than the Parent's death notices, listing him as a child.
He, in a sense, did not become anything like his Father or siblings, that is, he was not into the Law fraternity. Almost say a black sheep of the MacNevin family, but that is so far, as to my assumption at the moment. Story mentions that he went to train for "The Bar" and didn't want to do it and then went to "Sea" (Navy or Maritime orientated) at 17 years of age. There isn't enough evidence to confirm certain events, but conversations within this lineage, point towards Phillip having a very bad or disjointed relationship from his Sydney family base.
I am still trying to work out, if Annie met Phillip in Adelaide or in Melbourne sometime around 1897-1904. I am not sure if Annie moved to Adelaide (Her Photographer Father moved to Adelaide around 1897) or if Annie stayed in Melbourne with her Aunt and Uncle (of the Melbourne firm - Johnstone O'Shannessy Photographic Studio)

He held jobs mainly in the Marine Industry. He was aboard a lot of ships as a "Steward/Officers Assistant, Pantry Man". But these jobs weren't a consistent part of income.
His marriage to Annie, was quite the connection to a very strong Irish Protestant / Catholic heritage. Phillip and Annie's marriage broke down sometime in the very late 1920's. The ending was, well what you'd expect of the 2 religions. Apparently quite the bitter ending.
He died in Melbourne, buried in the same cemetery as his ex wife, but different plot of his ex wife, but weirdly enough, he is buried closer to his step mother.
 
And lastly the Fitzgerald's : Co Cork and Cork City.

• William Fitzgerald (5th GGF)  (??) *Updated 01-04-15*

Cork City. Looks like he was dabbling in Cork City around the period of the very early 1800's.
A genetic DNA test has shown quite an earlier involvement, to be some sort of heritage to Co. Limerick and connecting with a Shea Family from around Pallaskenry/Curaheen towns.
Something to do with "WhiteForge".
There also seems to be a very strong "Fitzgibbon" lineage as well. A Y-DNA "Fitzgibbon" has shown up on the 67 marker and 111 marker levels.

• Thomas Fitzgerald (4th GGF) (1810-1859)

Came to Australia in around Jan 1841, from Cork City, was of the Carpenter Trade. Was baptised in the "South Parish" (RC) of St. Finbar's, Cork.
He married Elizabeth Ambrose in 1837, it is not sure where, but it may have been Mallow (guess). Thomas and Elizabeth left Ireland around mid 1840, and landed in Sydney, Australia around the new year period of 1841. They traveled as what is known as an "Assisted Immigrant". Even though he was born within the RC denomination, somewhere between 1810 and 1840, he had changed to being Protestant (Anglican). People changed religions due to marriage, persecution or a lands issue, but nothing is known yet on this change of religion. But a lot of medieval history shows that there is a huge dominance of "Fitzgerald's" jumping ship from Catholic to being Protestant due to a lands issue in the Medieval period. He was noted on the Immigration records as being "Protestant". His child (below) was raised as an strong Anglican member and was a forever under that denomination. He died in Sydney in 1859.

• Thomas Fitzgerald (3rd GGF) (1842-1908)

Born in Sydney, but not much is known of his early life until about 1860. He became part of a Wine Merchant company - became a French Vice Consul and an Italian Vice Consul for the Federal Government.
Around 1859-1862, he became a Clerk for a Wine Merchant company of "Curcier & Co", then a few years later, he became a partner in the business named "Curcier & Adet" in Sydney. Some of other partners were also previous French Consuls as well. Lived in Pearson Street - Balmain, Sydney.
When he was 16, he became the man of the house, when his Father died (1859)
I am working on a theory, that the family may have had assistance from other people, after the death of their father - Thomas. As I don't see how a family could stay in one place for many years later, when the family was dominated by 4 children, at the age of 16 or under. 1859 - 1860 must of been a tough couple of years.

• Thomas Fitzgerald (2nd GGF) (1868-1943) 

Born in Sydney, married to Elizabeth Rees. Was a Civil Engineer, but seems to have also dabbled into the RAAF.
Recent information, has Thomas working for the shipping yard company based at "Mort Docks" in Balmain. His Father-In-Law (Wallace Rees), was an engineer in the Mort Dock company and it's believed that Wallace may have put a good word in for him, to get a job on the Dock.

Intertwined with the Fitzgerald Maternal / Paternal side, were the following families : 

Hatch (Aus-Ire), Gallagher (Aus-Ire), Humphries (Aus-Eng), Sheehan (Aus-Ire), Ambrose (Ire), Rees, Tarring (Eng), Rodgers, Fish, Morgan, Collins (Eng, but could be Ire too), Godson or Godsell (Ire)

#Genealogy #Ireland #Irish #History #CTS4466 #FamilyAncestry #Ancestry
#Fitzgerald #Hasler #Newenham #MacNevin #Persse