I was struck by the cause of death due in part to "exhaustion." I have been meaning to write more about this. As you probably know, at that time “exhaustion” was an all-purpose term.
"Exhaustion" applied to the effects of tramping in search of work, poor health, and malnutrition, as well as depression and other longer-term mental disorders brought about by poverty and displacement. To these contributing factors we could add the stress of living in a place that was not particularly happy to take in poor Irish migrants, and, given how frequently people, especially poor people, lost children, spouses, and close family to infectious diseases, we can assume many instances of profound grief.
I was so happy to read about your being reunited with William in this most unusual way.
How common was/is the surname Kirby in Ireland Dean ?
My 3rd gt grandfather Michael Kirby and his daughter were living on Irk street in the 1861 census, his daughter Margaret Welch,Welsh,Walsh. ( depending on which document your looking at ) was my 2nd gt grandmother and she was still living on the same street in the 1871 census . In 1881 she was living in Elizabeth street which I presume was nearby ?
Hi Alan. I think your relative could be the same Michael Kirby I mention on page 93 of my Angel Meadow book. I've done a bit of research into him and believe he was from the Castlebar area of County Mayo, not far from where my ancestor was also from. I haven't found a link between the two families but it's possible they were related in some way. I have some documents I can dig out and send to you on email. Kirby is a relatively rare name in Ireland and mainly associated with Mayo and Cork.
Family history anchors us to a past we sometimes never knew we had. I can never understand how some people are completely disinterested in their ancestors. I've spent the last 50 years Dipping in and out of my history. Some roots are in Cheshire and Staffordshire and then through my Dad's side to East Lancashire/West Yorkshire and later Gorton where Dad was part of lots of Goddards that were in the area. Previously a female line from County Mayo like you(male in your case though) but further back and hellishly difficult to unearth. Time is not on my side now and my daughter ,although interested, is too embedded in her work to take more than a passing interest.
I'm still very interested in the social history side of my family and its stories and , as I was brought up in Manchester, always lapping up Manchester history.
I think it's amazing what you have found out Dean and how it led you to become an author and onto a PHD . I hope it's going to be a lifelong passion for you as it has been for me.
I was struck by the cause of death due in part to "exhaustion." I have been meaning to write more about this. As you probably know, at that time “exhaustion” was an all-purpose term.
"Exhaustion" applied to the effects of tramping in search of work, poor health, and malnutrition, as well as depression and other longer-term mental disorders brought about by poverty and displacement. To these contributing factors we could add the stress of living in a place that was not particularly happy to take in poor Irish migrants, and, given how frequently people, especially poor people, lost children, spouses, and close family to infectious diseases, we can assume many instances of profound grief.
I was so happy to read about your being reunited with William in this most unusual way.
Thanks Lisa. I agree. That single word says so much doesn’t it about what they must have gone through. I’ve often thought about it.
How common was/is the surname Kirby in Ireland Dean ?
My 3rd gt grandfather Michael Kirby and his daughter were living on Irk street in the 1861 census, his daughter Margaret Welch,Welsh,Walsh. ( depending on which document your looking at ) was my 2nd gt grandmother and she was still living on the same street in the 1871 census . In 1881 she was living in Elizabeth street which I presume was nearby ?
Hi Alan. I think your relative could be the same Michael Kirby I mention on page 93 of my Angel Meadow book. I've done a bit of research into him and believe he was from the Castlebar area of County Mayo, not far from where my ancestor was also from. I haven't found a link between the two families but it's possible they were related in some way. I have some documents I can dig out and send to you on email. Kirby is a relatively rare name in Ireland and mainly associated with Mayo and Cork.
Blimey ! Yep thats him Dean.
His daughter Margaret was the mother of Peter Walsh (the scuttler) ,my gt grandad who broke a coppers leg and stabbed someone.
Anything you could send me would be much appreciated.
Where did you get his description from ? And, I wonder what the two pears tattoo signified ?
Thank you.
What are the chances?! I've emailed you some files including a prison record where I picked up his description from.
Family history anchors us to a past we sometimes never knew we had. I can never understand how some people are completely disinterested in their ancestors. I've spent the last 50 years Dipping in and out of my history. Some roots are in Cheshire and Staffordshire and then through my Dad's side to East Lancashire/West Yorkshire and later Gorton where Dad was part of lots of Goddards that were in the area. Previously a female line from County Mayo like you(male in your case though) but further back and hellishly difficult to unearth. Time is not on my side now and my daughter ,although interested, is too embedded in her work to take more than a passing interest.
I'm still very interested in the social history side of my family and its stories and , as I was brought up in Manchester, always lapping up Manchester history.
I think it's amazing what you have found out Dean and how it led you to become an author and onto a PHD . I hope it's going to be a lifelong passion for you as it has been for me.
Really nice to read this Anne. Thank you.