Skip to main content

The Remarkable Journey of Hugh Kerr: From Ireland to America


The tales of our ancestors often weave a rich tapestry of history, love, and resilience. One such story is that of my 2nd great-paternal grandfather, Hugh Kerr. This past week, I delved deep into the records of history to piece together his life's journey.


The Early Days in Ireland

Hugh Kerr was born on February 28, 1866, in the District of Clonavaddy, Union of Dungannon, County of Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The Irish name for Clonavaddy is Cluain-a-mhadaigh. His parents, Henry Kerr of Millese and Mary Jane Kerr (formerly Cuddy). Tragically, Hugh's father passed away in 1893, and there's still a mystery surrounding the date of his mother's demise. It looks like Mary passed away prior to her husband's death.

Love Blossoms in Ireland

At 22, Hugh married the love of his life, Annie McFarland. Their union was solemnized on October 25, 1894, at the Ballgawley Church of Ireland, Errigal Keerogue Parish. I often wonder how their paths crossed, given they hailed from different towns. Their marriage witnesses, Robert Robinson and Rachel McFarland, might hold clues to their love story.

The Great American Dream

A year into their marriage, the couple embarked on a new adventure. They boarded the State of Nebraska ship, bound for New York, on May 11, 1895. After a journey shorter than the anticipated 32 days, they arrived at Ellis Island on May 21, 1895, in record time. The voyage must have been met with wonderful sailing weather. Their initial destination was East Orange, New Jersey. Research has led me to uncover a Kerr family in East Orange, but I have not uncovered the mystery of their connection yet. But Hugh and Anna's destiny had other plans, leading them to western New York.


Life in New York

The couple was blessed with five children: Mary (often called Mamie or Massie), Margaret Jane, Annie L (known as Anna), Gladys Louise, and Robert Henry. The 1900 Federal Census, albeit with some discrepancies, shows the family residing in Clarendon Town, Orleans, New York. By 1905, they had moved to Kendall, Orleans County, New York.

Tragedy struck in 1906 when Anna Kerr passed away, leaving Hugh to raise their five children alone. The subsequent censuses trace the family's movements and the challenges they faced, from name misspellings to changing occupations.

The Later Years

The 1920s saw significant events in the Kerr family. Margaret married Claude Brooks, Anna tied the knot with Arthur William Stinson, and Gladys wed Ellsworth A Wilson. However, sorrow was never far away. Anna Stinson, my great-grandmother, succumbed to Pulmonary Tuberculosis in 1927.


By the 1930 Federal Census, Hugh and his son Robert were living with Margaret and her family in Clarendon, Orleans County. Sadly, Hugh's journey came to an end on
July 8, 1932.

To continue following my journey of discovering my family history be sure to subscribe. I also will be sharing my journey to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) @simplelivingene.

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Embarking on an Adventure Through Time with 'Emotional Inheritance'🌟

2023 has been a year of thrilling exploration for me, especially diving into the fascinating realm of Ancestral Healing. It's a journey filled with discovery and learning, and though I'm still grasping the depths of this topic, it's incredibly intriguing. 'Emotional Inheritance' by the insightful Galit Atlas, Ph.D., has been my compass in this adventure. This book isn't just a read; it's a voyage into the heart of intergenerational connections and the rich tapestry of family history. My mission this year has been to unravel how my ancestors' experiences have shaped me, and this book has been a pivotal guide in navigating the complex emotional landscapes that define who we are. Atlas, with her mastery in psychological theories and personal stories, crafts a narrative that's not just thought-provoking but also soul-stirring. She introduces us to the concept of emotional inheritance - the idea that our ancestors' experiences, traumas, and emotions r...
1 comment
Read more

Ancestral Crossroads: The Photograph That Bridged Generations

Embark on a journey through the lens of time as I recount the tale of a remarkable family reunion captured in a single, timeless photograph. Last month, a treasure trove of old family photographs landed in my hands, courtesy of my father. With the thrill of an explorer unearthing hidden relics, I dove into the sea of images, each snapshot a portal to an era I had never witnessed, each face a branch of my own ancestral tree, previously just names and dates in the family lore. The adventure of sifting through these visual echoes was like unearthing buried treasure. Each photograph was a piece of the puzzle, a story waiting to be told, a life waiting to be celebrated. Choosing a favorite was an impossible task, akin to picking the most intriguing star in a sky full of constellations. The photograph showcased below is a gem I unearthed from this collection. Captured in Terre Haute, Indiana, around the year 1945-46, it holds within its frame a narrative of new beginnings and poignant reunio...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Genealogical Odyssey: Between Ancestors and Obligations

There's a kind of tugging from the past - the whispers of ancestors beckoning me to discover their stories so that their names will still be spoken and their gravesites visited. My life, for the past few years, while living in Northern New York to spend time getting to know my biological father, has been a blessing as we build a connection and explore the paternal bloodline of my family history. But, the chapter of this part of my life has in a way derailed me due to time lost within the intricate maze of time and obligations. My voluntary roles at historical and genealogical societies served as stepping stones that bridged my passion for the past with the promise of the future. Yet, even as I reveled in the enchanting mysteries I helped others unlock, my own ancestral stories lay untold, forgotten. The irony is not lost on me, that stepping in to volunteer within several societies with duties I committed to became an obstacle obstructing my personal journey of discovery. The volun...
Post a Comment
Read more