The Descendants of of John O'Brien Sr.

First Generation

1. John¹ O'BRIEN SR was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1760. John died after 1826.

John's occupation: Farmer. John O'Brien was listed in the Tithe Applotment Book of Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish on 4 June 1826. At this time he was living in the Townland of Killernan with 4 acres and 1 Rod of land. John paid 1 shilling and 3 1/4 pence a year for the tithes of that part of the parish to the Established Protestant Church regardless of his religion. This land was rated at one half the tithe because of the poor quality of the land and was payable to the Right Honorable the Earl of Egremont or to William Casey, Esquire as his lessee. His immediate neighbors were his sons: Patrick O'Brien, 3 acres and 3 rods; John O'Brien, 2 acres; Michael O'Brien, 10 acres, James O'Brien, 10 acres; and Daniel O'Brien 6 acres and 3. rods. These properties were consolidated into two farms by 1855 when they were listed in Sir Richard Griffith's Primary Valuation of Tenements. This was undertaken in County Clare in 1855. This was to determine the amount of tax each tenant should pay towards the support of the poor and destitute within his Poor Law Union. This Valuation forms the basis of the present-day rating system in Ireland today. John's sons, Michael O'Brien and James O'Brien were the heads of farms after the consolidation. What ever happened to their brothers and their families is not known at this time. Ireland was ravaged by the famine from 1845 through 1851. Death from starvation and emigration out of Ireland numbered in the millions during this time period. There are not any civil vital statistic records for this time period and the church records only account for a few baptism records to support our research. His wife's name is not known.

Barony of Ibrickane A barony on the coast of co. Clare, Munster. It is bounded, on the north, by Corcomroe; on the east, by Inchiquin, Islands, and Clonderalaw; on the south, by Moyarta; and on the west, by the Atlantic. Its greatest length south-south-westward is 15 miles; its greatest breadth, in the opposite direction, is 8; and its area is 57,028 acres, 8 perches, of which 598 acres, 1 rood, 9 perches are water. The southern part is almost all bog; and the northern part is a mixture of very deteriorated argillaceous arable land with pastoral uplands and very improveable moorish hills. On the north-east boundary is Mount Callan; and off the coast are Mutton and Enniskerry Islands. The chief marine indentation is Doonbeg bay; and while nearly all the coast is bold and iron-bound, some portions of it exhibit highly-imposing scenery. This barony contains part of the parish of Kilmacduane, and the whole of the parishes of Kilfarboy, Killard, and Kilmurray, the town of Miltown-Malbay, and the villages of Doonbeg, Kilmurray, and Mullagh. Pop., in 1831, 20,451; in 1841, 25,186. Houses 3,912. Families employed chiefly in agriculture, 3,411; in manufactures and trade, 668; in other pursuits, 243. Males at and above 5 years of age who could read and write, 3,267; who could read but not write, 864; who could neither read nor write, 6,810. Females at and above 5 years of age who could read and write, 1,092; who could read but not write, 885; who could neither read nor write, 8,888. Ibrickane is partly in the Poor-law union of Ennistymon, and partly in that of Kilrush. The total number of tenements valued is 2,697; and of these, 1,397 were valued under £5, - 801, under £10, - 265, under £15, - 94, under £20, - 60, under £25, - 21, under £30, - 25, under £40, - 12, under £50, - and 22, at and above, £50.

The Parliamentary Gazeteer of Ireland, 1845 Courtesy of Clare Local Studies Project

Kilmurry-Ibrickane Map of Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish showing Townlands

A parish in the barony of Ibrickane, 2¾ miles west by south of Milltown-Malbay, Co. Clare, Munster. It contains the villages of Mullagh and Kilmurry-Ibrickane. Length and breadth, exclusive of islands, respectively 8 miles and 4½; area, 25,857 acres, 3 roods, 28 perches,—of which 331 acres, 2 roods, 20 perches are in Lough Doo, 40 acres, 2 roods, 29 perches are in small lakes, and 160 acres, 1 rood, 12 perches are in sea-girt islands. Pop., in 1831, 8,433; in 1841, 10,747. Houses 1,652. Pop. of the rural districts, in 1841, 10,525. Houses 1,614. The parochial surface extends from side to side of the barony, or from the western declivity of Slieve-Callan to the Atlantic ocean; and by far the greater part of it is now a congeries of wild uplands, and now a dreary expanse of bogs, moors, and bleak pasture and arable grounds. Slieve-Callan on the eastern boundary has an altitude of 1,282 feet; Knocknaboley, 2 miles further south, has an altitude of 701 feet; a hill on the south-east corner has an altitude of 700 feet; Lough Doo, 1¼ mile north of the last hill and all within the parish, has an elevation of 281 feet; and the rivulet Annagh, the most northerly of the three streams by which the parish is drained, descends within the parochial limits from an elevation of 509 feet to sea-level. The coast is all rocky and iron-bound; and contains the headlands of Lurga and Caherrush. The principal islands are Enniskerry, Carrickaneetwar, Mattle, and Carricknola. Though several villas and mansional houses are sprinkled over the sea-board, scarcely one clump or belt of wood exists. The village of Kilmurry-Ibrickane stands 1 mile from the sea, and on the road from Milltown-Malbay to Doonbeg. Area, 14 acres. Pop., in 1841, 91. Houses 15. Fairs are held on May 17 and Aug. 25. This parish is a wholly impropriate rectory and vicarage in the dio. of Killaloe; and the vicars of Killara and Kilfarboy often officiate in it gratuitously. The Roman Catholic chapel has an attendance of 800; and is united to the chapel of Kilfarboy. In 1834, the Protestants amounted to 27, and the Roman Catholics to 9,029; and 7 pay daily schools had on their books 248 boys and 113 girls.

The Parliamentary Gazeteer of Ireland, 1845 Courtesy of Clare Local Studies Project

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Historical events during the life of John O'BRIEN Sr: King George III ascended the British throne on October 20, 1760; New York becomes a state on July 26, 1788; Jean-Paul Marat assassinated in his bath on July 13, 1793; Congress convened for its 1st Washington, DC session on November 17, 1800; to test asbestos, a Frenchman enters an oven wearing an asbestos suit and carrying a steak - the steak gets cooked, the man doesn't on January 15, 1827.

John O'BRIEN Sr had the following children:

+ 2 i. Michael² O'BRIEN was born circa 1788.

+ 3 ii. James O'BRIEN was born circa 1793.

4 iii. Daniel O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1800. Daniel died after 1826. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland. Daniel's occupation: Farmer.

5 iv. John O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1800. John died after 1826. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1800.

+ 6 v. Patrick O'BRIEN was born circa 1800.

Second Generation

2. Michael² O'BRIEN (John¹) was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1788. Michael died 28 February 1864 Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, at 75 years of age.

Michael's occupation: Farmer. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1788. Michael O'Brien was listed in the Tithe Applotment Book of Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish 1826. He was responsible for paying tithe on 10 acres of farm land in Killernan townland. His tithe was 2 shillings and 3 1/4 pence. This tithe was rated at one half because of the poor quality of the land in this part of the parish. In the next valuation of property in 1855, the Griffith's Valuation list him as holding a little over 21 acres. The total annual valuation of rateable property was 6 pounds, 5 shillings. This description of the property listed house, office and land. The immediate lessor was Col. George Wyndham. Michael death record lists the cause of death as "old age". He was only sick for one week before he died and James O'Brien was present at his death and recorded the death on March 3, 1864. The information on his death record said he was married at the time of death. At this time I don't have any proof who his wife was but I believe it was Margaret O'Brien who died on a farm in Killernan on May 6, 1871 at 85 years old. Their children were probably born before the start of the Catholic church records which was 1831 for this parish, to years after Catholic emancipation. Margaret's name is not known.

Historical events during the life of Michael O'BRIEN: New York becomes a state on July 26, 1788; 1st public opinion poll conducted on July 24, 1824; patent issued for taking & projecting motion pictures to Louis Ducos du Hauron (he never did build such a machine, though) on March 1, 1864.

Michael O'BRIEN had the following child:

+ 7 i. James³ O'BRIEN was born circa 1824.

3. James² O'BRIEN (John¹) was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1793. James died 8 March 1845 Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, at 51 years of age. His body was interred circa 1845 in Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland.

He married Honoria BURKE in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1820. Honoria was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1803. Honoria died 23 August 1893 Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, at 90 years of age. Her body was interred circa 1893 in Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland.

James's occupation: Farmer. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1793. . not much is known about James O'Brien because he died before the start of civil records. He also died the year of the first potato crop failure. His grave stone is the first vertical stone for the O'Briens in the O'Brien family plot. The first public recording of his name is found in the Tithe Applotment Books for Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish where he is listed as accountable for 10 acres. Sometime between 1826 an 1855 the farm was enlarged to 26 acres, 2 rods, and 35 perches. The immediate lessor was Col George Wyndham and 7 pounds was the total actual valuation of rateable property. The only other record of James is when he and his wife are listed as parents for the baptism of their son, James on 7 Sept 1839. James's gravestone was erected by his son Patrick in Killernan graveyard with the other O'Brien stones. It reads, " Erected by Patrick O'Brien Kilarnan in memory of his father James who died March 8, 1845 aged 52 years and his mother Honor O'Brien nee Burke who died 23 Aug 1893 aged 90 years.

He married Honoria Burke, circa 1820, in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare EIRE. Born, circa 1803, in Killernan, Co. Clare EIRE. Died, 23 Aug 1893, in Killernan, Co. Clare EIRE. Christened, circa 1803, in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare, EIRE. Burial: circa 1893, in Killernan GY, Co. Clare EIRE. Occupation: Farmer's-wife. Honoria was about twenty years old when she was married. She was a neighbor of the O'Brien's and her family had a farm in Killernan townland. Honoria was widowed in 1845 at the beginning of the Irish potato famine. Her youngest son, Stephen O'Brien was only 5 years old at this time. Her other son Patrick was a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and it was with his help that Honoria was able to keep the family and farm together during these hard times. Hororia turned the Killernan farm over to her son, Stephen in 1886 Honoria lived with her family until she died at 90 years old. Her death record listed her as a farmer's widow and she had rheumatism for two years and had no medical attention at her death. Her grandson, Pat O'Brien recorded the death on September 8, 1893. My grandfather, was very fond of his grandmother, Honoria. He told stories of how in her last years she was just a little old woman and he would light her pipe for her every night and rub whiskey on her sore gums at night. He said this is where he learned to smoke and drink. When she became weaker he would lift her on and off of the commode because she was too feeble. Honoria stayed in the West bedroom of the house. The back of the fireplace was on the inside wall and it kept her warm. The children slept in a loft above the kitchen. The boys on one side and the girls on the other.

Historical events during the life of James O'BRIEN: Jean-Paul Marat assassinated in his bath on July 13, 1793; birth of Friedrich Engels, social philosopher on September 28, 1820; the locomotive was invented on August 7, 1825; birth of Gottlieb Daimler, automobile pioneer on March 17, 1834; birth of James Whistler, mama's boy on July 10, 1834; birth of John D. Rockefeller on July 8, 1839; birth of Thomas Nast, political cartoonist of late 1800s America on September 27, 1840; patent granted for the rubber band on March 17, 1845; Thoreau moves into his shack on Walden Pond on July 4, 1845.

James O'BRIEN and Honoria BURKE had the following children:

8 i. Patrick³ O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1825. Patrick died 1 March 1895 Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, at 69 years of age. His body was interred circa 1895 in Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1825. Patrick's occupation: RIC-policeman County Kilkenny, Ireland, 1872. . Patrick was 70 years old when he died. His death record states he was a bachelor, police pensioner, the duration of his illness was 2 months, he died of liver disease, his brother, Stephen O'Brien was present at his death in Killernan and it was recorded on the 8 March 1895. Patrick probably joined the Royal Irish Constabulary in the 1840's As was the practice of the British government he was stationed out side of County Clare in the South East part of Ireland in County Kildare. When Patrick retired from the R.I.C. he moved back to the O'Brien family farm in Killernan, Co. Clare. Living in the house was his brother, Stephen, and Stephen's, his wife, Margaret and their six children. His mother, Honoria was also living there at the time. Patrick was the favorite uncle of Stephen's children and it was his generosity that helped three of his children to emigrate to the United States and also financed the marriage of Catherine O'Brien, the oldest niece to the prominent Ryan family of Dromoher, Co. Clare. Patrick was also responsible for the tombstone in Killernan graveyard for his parents that is still standing tall and proud. This picture was taken of Patrick in the 1870's that his niece, Bridget (Delia) O'Brien took to America with her when she left Ireland in 1896. She then had this picture drawn by an artist at an art studio in a much larger picture format and had it and framed for hanging in her house in Waverly, NY. When Delia moved to Riverside, NY with her daughter, Catherine she took this picture with her and put it in storage in her basement. Sixty years later her daughters, Catherine and Margaret Cahill presented this picture to me and I have it hanging proudly in my home.

+ 9 ii. Catherine O'BRIEN was born 3 March 1834.

+ 10 iii. Margaret O'BRIEN was born 1834.

11 iv. James O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1839. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1839. James's baptism was recorded in the Mullagh Church records where it listed him as conditionally baptized. His sponsors were James O'Brien of Killernan and Margaret O'Brien of Killernan. The officiating priest was Father E. P. Barry. There is not further mention of James and it is presumed that he died at a young age.

12 v. William O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland 1839. William was listed as the head of a family on the 1880 Census in Denver, Arapahoe County, Colorado.

+ 13 vi. Stephen O'BRIEN was born circa 1840.

6. Patrick² O'BRIEN (John¹) was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1800. Patrick died after 1846.

He married Honor O'BRIEN before 1846. Honor was born circa 1810. Honor died after 1846.

He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1800.

Historical events during the life of Patrick O'BRIEN: Congress convened for its 1st Washington, DC session on November 17, 1800; the Oregon Spectator becomes the 1st newspaper published on the west coast on February 5, 1846; 1st San Francisco paper, 'California Star', published on January 9, 1847.

Patrick O'BRIEN and Honor O'BRIEN had the following child:

14 i. Matilda³ O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland 31 January 1846. She was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, 31 January 1846.

Third Generation

7. James³ O'BRIEN (Michael², John¹) was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1824. James died 8 May 1899 Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, at 74 years of age. His body was interred circa 1899 in Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland.

He married Mary MOLONEY in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1865. Mary was born circa 1844. Mary died 11 March 1880 Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, at 35 years of age. Her body was interred circa 1880 in Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland.

James's occupation: Farmer. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1824. The O'Brien farm was transferred to James O'Brien in 1865. This was one year after his father, Michael died. James and his wife, Mary had a large family and she died when she was only 36 years old leaving James with a young family. James death certificate list him as a 75 years old widower. The cause of death was heart disease with a duration of seven days. There was no medical attention given and his son, James signed the certificate with his (X) on May 15,1899. His other son Michael had the tomb stone erected in Killernan graveyard. It is one of three of four O'Brien gravestones in a small area. The inscription reads: "Erected by Michael O'Brien Kilernan in memory of his father James O'Brien who died 8 May 1899 aged 75 years and his mother Mary Moloney who died 11 March 1880 aged 36 years". James was a neighbor to his cousins farm in Killernan. This family was referred to as the "Brogan O'Briens. The other O'Brien farm was referred to as the Stephen's O'Brien". I don't know how or where this term "Brogan" came from but I first heard James O'Connor the current owner of the Stephen's farm use this term.

He married Mary Moloney, circa 1865, in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare EIRE. Born, circa 1844. Died, 11 Mar 1880, in Killernan, Co. Clare EIRE. Burial: circa 1880, in Killernan GY, Co. Clare EIRE. Occupation: Farmer's-wife. When my wife, Joyce and I were on vacation visiting in Miltown Malby in June 0f 1981 we met a young man named Michael Maloney. We gave him a ride to his home in Carroduff townland one night and met his elderly father. I told him my family was from Killernan and he remembered them well. He also said that he had a relation to the "Brogan O'Brien's". I told him that there was a Mary Maloney that married a James O'Brien and he said that was the relationship.

Historical events during the life of James O'BRIEN: 1st public opinion poll conducted on July 24, 1824; William Booth founds the Salvation Army, in London, England on July 5, 1865; patent granted for process producing celluloid on July 12, 1870; birth of Calvin Coolidge, 30th President (1923-1929) on July 4, 1872; the Ivy League establishes rules for college football on October 18, 1873; birth of Carl Jung on July 26, 1875; Colorado becomes a state on August 1, 1876; 1st electric arc light used (in California Theater) on February 10, 1879; patent granted for an electric street car on July 13, 1880; birth of Fred Astaire, tapdancer on May 10, 1899; birth of E.B. White, author of "Charlotte's Web" on July 11, 1899.

James O'BRIEN and Mary MOLONEY had the following children:

15 i. Michael⁴ O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1865. Michael died after 1941 Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland. His body was interred in Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland. He married Bridget in Co. Clare EIRE. Bridget was born circa 1860. Bridget died 23 March 1941 Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, at 80 years of age. Her body was interred in Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland.

He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland. Michael's occupation: farmer. . He married Bridget in Co. Clare EIRE. Michael secured the farm in Killernan in 1896 from his father. He was not listed in either of the Irish census records of 1901 or 1911. I don't know where he was at this time. Michael was responsible for erecting the tombstone to his parents in Killernan graveyard.

16 ii. Bridget O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1870. She was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, 22 January 1870.

17 iii. Timothy O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1872. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, 28 February 1872.

18 iv. Patrick O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1872. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, 28 February 1872.

+ 19 v. Daniel O'BRIEN was born 11 October 1873.

20 vi. John O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1875. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, 9 May 1875.

21 vii. James O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1876. James died after 1911. James's occupation: Farmer. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1876.

22 viii. Timothy O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland 25 December 1878. Timothy died 26 December 1878 Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, at less than one year of age. His body was interred circa 1878 in Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland.

23 ix. Thomas O'BRIEN was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland circa 1880. Thomas died after 1901. Thomas's occupation: Farmer. He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, circa 1880.

9. Catherine³ O'BRIEN (James², John¹) was born Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland 3 March 1834. Catherine died 24 November 1916 in Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin, at 82 years of age. Her body was interred 25 November 1916 in Holy Cross Cemetery, 1121 Lawe Street, Kaukauna, WI 54130.

She married Thomas DOWLING in Iowa, 1866. Thomas was born County Clare, Ireland December 1832. Thomas died 27 October 1903 in Taylor Street, Kaukauna, Wiscosin, at 70 years of age. His body was interred October 1903 in Holy Cross Cemetery, 1121 Lawe Street, Kaukauna, WI 54130. Death Notice Kaukauna, Wisconsin THOMAS DOWLING Thomas Dowling, died at his home on TAylor Street, north side, on Tuesday, October 27th after an illness of over two years, of catarrh of the mouth and throat. The deceased was 72 years of age. He was born in Coounty Clare, Ireland and came to America in 1864, settling with his wife and family in kaukauna 23 years ago. Mr. Dowling was of a happy cheerful disposition, and bore his long and painful illness with exemplary patience and fortitude. He has made many friends during his long residence here, who sympathize with the bereaved family in their loss, and who will long hold him in kindly remembrance. Funeral services were held at Holy Cross Church on Thursday at 9 a.m.

Catherine was listed as the head of a family on the 1880 Census in Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Catherine was listed as the head of a family on the 1870 Census in Ward 5, Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin.

Historical events during the life of Catherine O'BRIEN: birth of Gottlieb Daimler, automobile pioneer on March 17, 1834; birth of Beatrix Potter, writer and illustrator on July 6, 1866; patent granted for the tape measure on July 14, 1868; Mark Twain's "Innocents Abroad" is published on July 20, 1869; patent granted for a doughnut cutter on July 9, 1871; Rasputin murdered on December 16, 1916.

Catherine O'BRIEN and Thomas DOWLING had the following children:

24 i. James⁴ DOWLING was born in Iowa 1868. James was listed as the head of a family on the 1880 Census in Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin.

25 ii. Mary A. DOWLING was born in Wisconsin 1869.