Relationship Chart

I found this page in my "box of treasures" a number of months back.  It had fallen behind the sectional couch in our living room.  I finally retrieved it and, as promised many months back, I am posting it here.  Yeah!

Who Do You Think You Are? - Rosie O'Donnell

I had the opportunity to watch Rosie O'Donnell's "Who Do You Think You Are?" Episode.  It was really good.  I have saved this episode on my DVR recorder for now.  I may just watch it again soon.  Being Irish and researching an Irish line can be daunting.  You never know what you might find.  I am starting to experience this too.  I acknowledge the fact that I will need to go to Ireland at some point to discover more.  This is exactly what Rosie O'Donnell did.

Her discovery about her Murtagh's in Kildare in a workhouse was moving.  I don't know much about workhouses in Ireland but have stumbled across the mention of them in several locations.  Watching Rosie walk through one with a guide explaining the purpose of them and living conditions was quite eye-opening.

My only criticism of this episode would be that it left me wanting more.  Rosie is not just Irish with one family line and could probably have gone to other locations in Ireland to find her roots.  She probably did but they only pick the most compeling story to show in the 42 minutes that is allotted for the running time.  You know, the network needs those other 18 minutes for commercials.

So next up is Kim Cattrall's episode.  I watched it already under the guise of the UK version and on YouTube.  Here's my previous post Kim Cattrall.  I will watch it again in hopes that they add some updated information from the original episode.  We'll see.

Who Do You Think You Are? - Tim McGraw

Last friday night the latest episode of "Who Do You Think You Are ?" was on with the celebrity at hand, Tim McGraw.  His story in finding his family roots was very interesting.  He wanted to know more about his dad's family line.   The show briefly talked about his father, Tug McGraw (1944-2004), and proceeded back in time at least 8 generations on this Chrisman and Hite Family line on the east coast.

They didn't actually venture out here to California.  I guess they didn't want to make the show about Tug McGraw so chose that route.  I bring up Tug McGraw because he actually went to my high school in Vallejo, CA.   He attended St. Vincent Ferrer High School in Vallejo, CA - SV'62.  My godmother, who lived in Napa growing up, was a year behind him at SV.  She finished her fnal two years of high school at Napa High instead of SV.

Tug was born in Martinez, CA.  I'm assuming that he either lived there or somewhere in Solano or Napa Counities when he attended high school.  He also went to Solano Community College in Fairfield, CA.  I noticed quickly on the program that they showed Tim's grandmother's (or it may have been his great grandmother) death certificate.  It stated "Napa County" across the top.  His family must have lived in Napa.  I wonder where they lived? 

Anyway, I always find it interesting when I come upon people from my "old stomping ground".

Happy Valentine's Day - A Valentine For My Researchers and Relatives

This year for Valentine's Day, I thought that I'd send a rather different kind of Valentine wish and thank you to all my followers, research collaborators, relatives, and those who I email and bug about our genealogy.  Without listing specific identities of my friends and family here, I am sending you a Valentine's wish with a code name or phrase in some cases.  Some of you will probably be able to guess who you are! :-)

- To my followers of this blog:  Happy Valentine's Day! 

My McGuire's:
- To my McGuire Family:  Happy V. Day......Let's start writing our McGuire/Hickey stories down!

- To my Uncle McG in VA:  I wish you Happy V. Day and thanks for your memories of your parents and our Hickey and McGuire Families.  Your info led me to the Hickey/Coughlin marriage in Rye, NY.  XOXOXOXOXOXO!

- To my Cousin A in Rye:  Happy V. Day!  Remember our deal, I know you do. :-) XOXOXO

My Maxwell/McLaughlin's:
- To my "Shirt-tail" Cousin Mac in TX:  You are awesome!  Happy Valentine's Day....without your information, I'd be lost! 

- To another somewhat distant cousin in Liberty - Hey JP, Happy Valentine's Day!

- To my all time wonderful researcher of the McLaughlin's - Mr. Rochester, NY, Happy Valentine's Day!

- To another McLaughlin cousin in NY who's from CA - Happy V. Day KME!  I know that I've been so busy lately and we really need to talk about our McLaughlin's!

- To my Oregon McLaughlin who led me to Mr. Rochester, NY - Happy V. Day Simplygib!

My Flanagan's

- To my Termonfechin Family - Happy Valentine's Day!  That includes you P, M, and the "D" man!

- To my new friends and family in Loma Rica and Citrus Heights - Happy V. Day to Nicholas' descendants!

- To my Flanagan Cousin in "The North Woods" - Happy V. Day!

My Flanagan/Maxwell/McLaughlin's

- To my Mom - Happy V. Day!  Thanks for the "box of treasures".

- To C. in San Mateo County -  Happy V. Day and feel free to email me anytime with memories of our family.

- To my "Red-Headed Cousin" in NYC - Happy V. Day!  Glad we found each other.  :-)

- To all of my Flanagan's and descendants of Jack and Minnie - Please share this blog with your relatives whether they are descendants of Kay, Robert, Dick, or John Flanagan.  We have so much to share.  Happy Valentine's Day!  Join in the fun too........Don't be shy.......Feel free to contact me. :-)

Thomas C. Malloy, Jr.

Recently, I had a Walsh descendant email me some Malloy information.  In fact, the Walsh's are cousin's of the Malloy's and Duffy's who are cousin's of my Maxwell's and McLaughlin's of Napa.  Now, they all originate in some way shape or form in the community that was in Austin, Lander County, Nevada.  It is starting to become clearer to me just how tight the families in Austin were back in the latter part of the 1800s.  In fact, they shared their religion (Catholic) and the majority of them appear to have been Irish or of Irish descent.

The information that I have today is the obituary of Thomas C. Malloy Jr. of Napa, California.  I will strike the living people's first names from the obit. for privacy reasons.  This is my practice and should be everyone's who is involved in publicly posting genealogy information.  I will provide some commentary after the following information:

Napy Valley Register, 2/14/2008.

NAPA - Thomas C. Malloy, Jr., 96, died peacefully on Feb. 9, 2008, after a brief stay at the Meadows.  He was born in Napa on Sept. 4, 1911, to Thomas C. Malloy Sr. and Ella [Ellen] (Duffy) Malloy.

He began his business career as manager of the Uptown Theater in Napa where he hired youths for their first jobs.   Later, he was promoted to general manager of the Lawrence Borg Trust in San Francisco where he oversaw the acquisition and sale of real estate property and theaters.

He was predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 51 years, Dolly F. Malloy.  Tom and Dolly's proudest legacy was their family.................................

The funeral Mass will be held on Friday morning, Feb. 15, 10am, at St. John's Catholic Church.  The rosary and vigil service will be held tonight, Feb. 14, at 7pm, at the Claffey and Rota Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Catholic School, 960 Caymus St., Napa, CA 94559, or to Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation, PO BOX 2069, Napa, CA, 94558.

What can be really great about obituaries is the list of the family members, which this one does have but I have omitted those who I believe to be living.  I will, however, be adding them to my family tree on Ancestry.com.

One thing that I will say about Thomas C. Malloy, Jr. is that he worked on his family tree.  I, in fact, have some of the papers that he shared with my grandfather, his cousin, Richard J. Flanagan of Napa, CA.  My grandfather's grandmother, Ellen Maxwell McLaughlin, and Thomas C. Malloy Jr.'s grandmother, Catherine "Katie" Maxwell Duffy, were sisters.  Thomas provided my grandfather with the only photo that I have of the two sisters together.  It is actually the only photo that I have of Ellen Maxwell McLaughlin.

As my final comment, I do want to honor Tom Malloy for all of his genealogy research.  I'm not sure the full extent of his work.  I thank him for sharing what he did have with my grandpa.

Philip S. Duffy - A History - Part 1

I may have a mini obsession with sourcing and locating Philip and Katie Duffy of Napa, California.  It is not for an unfounded or unrelated reason though.   Katie Duffy (Catherine Maxwell at birth) was the sister of my great great grandmother, Ellen "Maxwell" McLaughlin.  Katie and Ellen must have been close, I am pretty certain of that.  The only picture of Ellen that I have is with Katie in Walter Springs, California.  They, in fact, both lived in Napa after living in Austin, Nevada having migrated from Newport, New York.  They were both born in County Meath, Ireland.

The other catch to this is that their husbands' were friends.  That friendship may have originated in their youth in Newport, New York.  This type of family connection spans many years and three different locations.  I actually have more information about Philip Duffy at my fingertips than I have about my own great great grandfather, Thomas Michael McLaughlin.

I hope to someday connect with a Duffy or Malloy and share information.  They may have photos of my great great grandparents.  A Malloy gave my grandfather, Richard J. Flanagan, some photocopied information years and years ago in Napa.  I am posting it here.

The first two documents are from a history book.  The photocopy has become faded but has some great historical information about Philip Duffy.  By the way, he did spell his first name with one "l" only.  Enjoy reading below.  I hope that it is legible.  I will make comments in my next post.....To be continued.

Duffy's of Napa, CA

Recently, I started searching online for historical information about Napa which might include any information about my Flanagan's, McLaughlin's, Vienop's, Borchers', and even the McLaughlin's cousins, the Duffy's.  I was sad to find an obituary for Dennis Michael Patrick Duffy. 

DUFFY, Dennis Michael Patrick September 14, 2007 - SF Gate

Dennis Michael Patrick Duffy A life-long fourth generation Napa Valley resident, died suddenly on the golf course in Lake Tahoe on Monday, September 10, 2007. He was 59 years old. Born December 20, 1947 in St. Helena, Dennis graduated from Napa Senior High School in 1966 and then the University of San Francisco in 1970 with a BA degree in economics. Following college, he moved to Lake Tahoe adopting the beautiful basin as his home. Duff was best known for his work at River Ranch Restaurant & Lodge, where he became well-known for his Irish charm, quick wit and devilish smile. In the mid 70's, Dennis returned to his roots in Napa getting involved in the wine industry and, as a hobby, produced a private label DD that was enjoyed by friends and family. Dennis oversaw and maintained the Duffy Christmas Tree Farm on Big Ranch Road, a business started by his father. In early 1995, Dennis agreed to have the 1906 family farm house remodeled for the nationally syndicated "This Old House" program. The show's producer said at that time "I only had 15 minutes to meet Dennis, but it was love at first sight. I guess the combination of the man, the house and the setting conspired to make a good story." In recent years, Dennis went to work as a mortgage broker with Investor's Trust Mortgage. With his primary home in Yountville and his second home in Lake Tahoe, Dennis was blessed with a full life in two of the most beautiful places on earth. The true beauty of Dennis was what he brought with him into the hearts of everyone he encountered throughout his life. Dennis' life was made full six years ago when he was reacquainted with his college love, [a Living Kelly]. Happily engaged, they were excited to continue creating a wonderful life together. Dennis is predeceased by his parents Owen M. Duffy, Ann L. Duffy and brother-in-law, Dennis Mordecai. He is survived by his loving sister [a living Duffy], her daughter [a living Mordecai] and by his loving fiancée............A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church in Yountville. A Celebration of Dennis' Life will be held at the River City Restaurant in Napa immediately following. Donations may be made in his honor to Napa Valley Hospice.

I've highlighted the clues that led me to know that this was a Duffy cousin.  I wonder what has become of the old Duffy property on Big Ranch Road?  Does any history of Philip Duffy and Catherine "Katie" Maxwell Duffy exist there anymore?

Request A Post! - Part 2

I've invited guest authors to my blog and now I'd like offer to write about anything that the readers want me to discuss.   Of course, it needs to be related to genealogy, Ancestry.com, my family lines and locations.  I can even revisit topics that I've already written about.  I put this out here as a way for my collaborators, readers, and family tree seekers to interact.  Feel free to email me or put a comment below the post.

And never fear, I still have more to write about here.

Who Do You Think You Are? - Vanessa Williams Episode

I just thought that I'd put a quick note out here about last night's episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?".   I found Vanessa Williams' story about the search for her ancestors to be quite interesting and moving.  Freedom is what America is all about and her ancestors lived and pushed for that.   I always find Civil War stories fascinating.  I am not one for the gore of the blood and guts but I acknowledge the importance of that part of our history in the U.S. 

A somewhat surprising part of this episode was that they did not go back very far on her family tree.  I know that it can be hard to trace people back further in time beyond the mid 1800s but I am always amazed when the show does go back in time a few hundred years.  I know not every episode and family tree is the same.  Sometimes I think the show leaves information out.   They only have 42 minutes of the hour to present the information.  The other 18 minutes are for commercials.  Gotta love U.S. TV!

Who Do You Think You Are? - Season Premiere

Happy First Friday of February 2011!  That certainly is a mouthful.  Tonight on NBC TV in the U.S. is the season premiere of "Who Do You Think You Are?".  The first episode will have Vanessa Williams.  It should be interesting.  For me it has not mattered who the celebrity is on the show as much as the content and interesting path the person takes to find their roots.  Can't wait!

Guest Authors Invited

I continue to have an open invitation to guest authors.  I have suggested topics to include our Maxwell's, McLaughlin's, Gartlan's/Gartland's, Shaffrey's, Fox's, Flanagan's, O'Brien's, or any of my other surnames and locations.

I invite fellow researchers to consider writing bio's about those that they knew who have passed away and are connected to our family tree.  With this open invitation, I encourage you to consider this as a way for those memories to live on in our family history.

Special Edition Post: Who Do You Think You Are? (NBC)

This morning on the Today Show one of the producers of the Amercian version of the show "Who Do You Think You Are?" was interviewed.  She mentioned the season premiere of the show for this Friday, February 4, 2011, and that Ancestry.com is the best place to get started on your family tree.  Ok, yes, I am very interested in what the show has to offer this year.  I am not so concerned with which celebrities are on the show.  I am more interested in their stories of discovering their roots.

One thing that the producer did say is that it is very hard to get records for Ireland and also for Jews in Poland.  There is apparently quite the demand for both.  I know that there is a demand for Irish records as I am one person who would like to see more of them on Ancestry.com.   Again and again, I read about how hard it is to come by records in Ireland.  I can't disagree across the board with this but I also can't fully agree with this. 

I have found various repositories online that hold information but you need to pay for it.  I can honestly say that I wish Ancestry.com would pay for the records.  I already subscribe to their site but am starting to recognize some of the shortcomings when you want to "make the jump" to Ireland.  They don't even have the 1901 and 1911 Irish Census on their site that I've found.  Luckily, you can get to the transcribed information on other sites for free.   The National Archives of Ireland seem to have plenty of records.

Now, I do have connections in Ireland for the information that I have about my Flanagan Line.  The records are private family records.  Thank goodness they exist.  I am thankful and feel extremely fortunate.  The Flanagan records of family history are a rare find anywhere. 

Back to the Irish.....In general, the information available online can be quite lacking when it comes to Irish immigrants who departed Ireland for other places in the world.  Ancestry.com lacks source information almost all together.  There is information though.  At worst, it is patchy and inconsistent but it is not nonexistent.

One other thing....Not all of the Irish were poor.  The word "poor" was used today during the Today Show interview.  I agree that the Irish immigrants were mostly poor when they left Ireland and when they arrived in their new destination.  That does not mean they were always poor or that the previous generation was poor, too.  That was probably a "poor" choice of words today.  "Oppressed" would have probably been a better choice of words.  That would probably go for Jews in Poland, too.

So what is my point in all of this?  First and foremost, I don't give up very easily when it comes to my family tree.   Trust me, I have come so far in such a short timeframe.  I will continue to work on my tree.  Second, I think Ancestry.com needs to ask the Irish for their records.  It may cost a fee.  That should be what the Ancestry.com subscription fees helps pay for.  I'm sure that they'd have lots of volunteers to help them transcribe the information onto Ancestry.com.  The other bonus is that the records are likely in English.

For now, I will step back down off my soapbox but know that I have provided constructive feedback to Ancestry.com along with completing a Survey that they sent me many months ago.