Welcome to the O’Shea Clan Society Blog which is attached to our O’Shea Clan Society website
Feel free to post and read O’Shea comments!
Click on “responses” (below right) to see the comments which have already been posted.
Please please add your comments to the 2009 posting above not this one.
This posting has 150 comments and I would like to start a new list of comments (from 2009) so please read the comments below but comment on the above post. Thanks, Margaret (O’Shea) Jordan.
August 17, 2006 at 7:35 am
I hope to see O’Sheas using this blogsite.
August 18, 2006 at 12:22 am
As a proud O’Shea of Miramichi NB Canada I wanted to say hi to all my fellow O’Shea’s around the globe. Tim J O’Shea
September 30, 2006 at 8:19 pm
Not sure what to say except;
This is James O’Shea from New Ross.
Hello everyone
November 6, 2006 at 3:32 am
HI! I have been researching my family tree and gotten back to the town that we came from in Ireland which is Croom, Co. Limerick. My great grandfather came to the US when he was pretty young, we think in his teens after his father, who was a tenant farmer in Croom was arrested and transported to Austraila for his involvement in a tenant uprising against the British Loyal landlord. That occurred around the late 1830’s, early 1840’s. My great grandfather’s name was James and his father was also James. My great, great grandfather was married to Honora Hayes, we believe in about 1825. They 5 children one of which was my great grandfather. My great grandfather died at 79 years of age in New York in 1915. Any assistance anyone can give me is greatly appreciated.
November 15, 2006 at 1:30 pm
Just a quick message!
Its kim, originally from tralee, Co. Kerry Eire, there are a lot of us O’Shea’s still based there!
Anyways, bst wishes to everyone!
Kim
December 28, 2006 at 6:20 am
James O’Donovan, of the northern branch of the O’Donovans (Tipperary/Limerick, not Cork), married Hanora O’Shea.
The descendents of her father, Phillip O’Shea, are set forth below.
Questions: contact Michael O’Donovan – MODONOVAN@AOL.COM
Phillip O’Shea Sally Coffee?
Sally, married Kennedy of Bridgetown
Bridget married McKeogh of Cragg
Hanora, married James O’Donovan (1823-1909, lived at Gurtavaroosh, Tipperary, Ireland.
Margaret, married Humphries of Croom
Kate, married Hayes, Binghamton NY
Sara
Kathleen
Patrick, of Ashroe married Kate Kennedy of Showe? Not far from Newport
Phillip, lived in New York
Willie, married, no children, kept the farm at Ashroe
Patrick
Sara, married, lived in England, died around 1954
Mary (now Sister Anastacia, in Florence, Italy)
John, lived in Chicago, had two daughters
Katherine (Kitty) married John O’Sullivan of Chicago
John (Jesuit, principal of University of Detroit High School)
Robert, married Kay Kelleher
Children living near McHenry / Mundelein Ilinois
Catherine (sister Mary Cecil, Dominican, at Sinsmauta, Wis
Mary, married Robert Patrick Heinz
Five children, live dnear Mundelein Seminary
Molly, unmarried lived, with Katherine in old age
December 29, 2006 at 3:16 am
Hi everyone,
My Great Grandad, Patrick O’Shea, came to New Zealand around 1883. He was born in Coleman Tipperary { as far as we know} in 1862. His parents were Michael O’Shea and Mary Hogan. Patrick died in 1924 and left no trace of his family history behind. I am trying to find a link to his past.
All the best for the year ahead.
Karen in New Zealand
December 30, 2006 at 6:46 am
Greetings and a great 2007 to you too Karen. Strange we could be looking for the same family line. my shea’s seem to have disappeared from about 1850 from the area around kilkenny tippreary . we now believe that they may have gone to usa or canada mining as my grt grandfather did for ???? years before coming to nz ,, we do know that they did not keep touch with family connections around Callan. M y contact a very reliable researcher in Callan and distant relative really believed our family had died out in the 1850’s… yes they were the chiefly line.. My hunch is that even my edmond could have had siblings who also came to nz .. he was a farmer in taranaki.. happy to share any info.. helen o’shea kingi
December 31, 2006 at 8:58 am
Hello! My name is Thomas Shea from the Hartford area in Connecticut in the USA. I know some stories of my family history from my grandparents, but really don’t know specifics. I do know my great grandparents dropped the “O” from the O’Shea upon their arrival in the US. My goal is to save up a while and take a trip to Ireland with my wife and four children to try to learn a bit about where we came from.
Tom
January 9, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Hello to all the O’Shea’s & Shea’s. My great-great-grandfather, Martin O’Shea, left Tipperary in 1854 for Australia. With him went 3 cousins, Stephen & Timothy who were brothers, and John. They worked off their passage in Tasmania for 3 years and then all moved to Bacchus Marsh in Victoria where most of their descendants still remain. The “O” was dropped between 1888 & 1900 because of discrimination against the Irish. We have conflicting accounts of our Tipperary home. One history states it as Laffin’s Folly, which I can’t find anywhere, and another says Borrisoleigh which I have found. If anyone can enlighten me on Laffin’s Folly that would be great.
To Tom of Hartford, keep on saving, it’s well worth it. I spent 4 days (no where near enough) in Ireland a few years ago, 1 day in Tipperary, and I can’t wait to get back and see it properly.
Happy New Year to everyone
Regards Leo
January 10, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Hi,
James here from Listowel Co.Kerry now living in Sydney Australia.
January 13, 2007 at 7:23 am
Hello,
I have just returned from Ireland. For those who have never been, please consider it an important trip to make in your lifetime. I was deeply moved by everything I saw and experienced. If you are a Shea, and O’ Se’ or an O’Shea, the place to hang around is County Kerry.
Read up before you go, and make sure you have enough time to think and wonder.
Lori Shea
Oregon, USA
February 25, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Dear Tom Shea from Hartford: My grandparents emigrated from Cahersiveen, County Kerry to New London in 1880. I’ve been able to locate all the documents from their 1885 wedding in Norwich to the city directory in New London. The family moved to Omaha, Nebraska around 1890…would you be related to that family? We are in the Shea Project and anxiously await the results. I’ve recently published a book called, Finding My Irish. It’s a wonderful story of my journey to Ireland to find traces of my grandparents…..and their emigration story in 1880…..check out my website…you may wish to order…www.findingmyirish.com
Sharon Shea Bossard
February 28, 2007 at 2:42 am
My name is James O’Shea and live in Quebec City Canada. I was wondering if there were any fellow O’Sheas in Quebec or Canada. Hope to hear from you all and this is one great blog.
February 28, 2007 at 9:12 pm
My grandfather,Michael came to Alabama around 1880.His brother came with him,but went north,never to be heard from again.Michael was from Kilrush,County Clare and left many sisters there
March 17, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Hi everone! Im Vicky, from Argentina. I was hopin u can help with my genealogic tree or at least find someone wh has somethin to do with my family or tell hwere should i strts the research. So far i had no success lookinf for inofrmation. Thanx!!
Happy St. Patrick’s day!
March 18, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Hi my name is Pat O’Shea from Bay City, Michigan.I am tracing my roots and have just started if anyone can give me any suggestions I would love it. I have got back to Ottawa Canada is where my Great Great grandfather landed when he came fron Ireland. His name was Michael O’Shea
Any help tracing back to Ireland please leave me a message Thanks
March 29, 2007 at 12:00 am
Hi to all the O’Sheas, Sheas and Shees around the world! I am trying to trace the whereabouts of 3 children born to George Raymond O’Shea and Elsie May Collins. The children are:Romilly Anne (born 2/4/35), John Desmond (10/10/36) and Michael d’Alton (26/5/38). George Raymond’s father was Alderman Sidney Shea, who lived in the Margate area in South England. George Raymond, I believe, lived and worked in London England. In 1938 he submitted to the British Museum a manuscript claiming descent to the O’Chea Chiefly line (not proven, and now considered suspect. George Raymond died in South Africa c. 1952.
If anyone can help with a trace or lead, I would be most grateful. Thank you.
April 9, 2007 at 4:53 pm
My paternal ancestry is, I believe, John Shea (b. 1 July 1828) who at 18 left Galway on the Brig. Redwing of Dublin arriving in Boston 3 June 1846. He married Mary Sullivan (of Ireland; parents Owen & Abbie) and had 8 children where the name subsequently changed to Shay.
I am participating in DNA test and wife is afraid Met police will now use it against me!
Tad Shay (tadshay@mac.com)
April 12, 2007 at 7:21 pm
My great grandmother was Katherine Shea b. 1870 in Kilgarvan, (near Kenmare) Co. Kerry. Her parents were Daniel and Johanna (nee Barrett) Shea. Daniel’s mother was an O’Casey “from over the hill”!
She came to New York in her early adulthood. She had nine siblings some of which followed her to Amerikay. (Daniel, Timothy, Joan, Mary, John, Nell, Julia, Alexander, David) Most had families and are scatterred now across the world.
I enjoy geneology but have neglected this branch of the family and don’t quite know where to begin, my focus being more paternal till now.
Any suggestions?
Go raibh maith agat
Brian O Cinneide
April 26, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Hey O’Shea’s, Mark O’Shea here, originally for Massachusetts now living in Southern California. My gradparents Dan and Anna Sullivan met on the boat coming over from the old country and had seven children, I am the oldest son of the oldest son. There is several families of O’Shea’s in locations across the United States. Long live the O’Shea Clan.
May 11, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Hi all you fellow O’Shea & Sheas.
I am in Adelaide South Australia, if ever here please look me up.
May 29, 2007 at 12:59 am
Elizabeth Anora O’Shea – Princeton NJ
daughter of John Michael O’Shea
1917-2001
grandaughter of
Daniel O’Shea and Margaret Kelly O’Shea
great graddaughter of William (?) O’Shea – I think from Tipperary.
My grandfather was sent for by his elder brother William who emigrated first to Chicago.
If there are any relative in Ireland please let me know via blog, Thank you.
May 30, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Good afternoon. This is James O’Shea of New Ross, Co.Wexford Ireland. My father was John Shea my mother Julia Ryan. Paternal Grand parents were: Patrick Shea, Rosbercon, New Ross & Mary Brunn of Priory Street, New Ross. Matternal Grand Parents were: James Ryan, The Irish Town, New Ross & Mary Kehoe also Irish Town
June 1, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Hi everyone. I am a Shea living in Ohio. I don’t know much about my history but I’m learning. My great-grandfather was a grocer named James Bernard.
Sheas rock!
June 10, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Hi all you O SHEAs.
Im colm from dublin, ireland.
My grandfather[jimmy] came from kerry and moved to dublin in about 1914 to fight for our freedom, and we won.
He married into a rich family who dissoned their daughter for getting married.I do not know when he died, but he fathered 10 children.
The rest is history.
Go raibh maith agat
June 26, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Hi
My Grandfather came from Cahersiveen. He was Christopher Stephen O’Shea, born 1893. His parents were Michael O’Shea and Margaret O’Reilly and they were all tailors. My grandfather had a brother called Michael who went off to make his fortune in America and a sister, Margaret – I don’t know if he had other siblings. Uncle Michael was last seen in the late 1950s when he came back and took my father on a tour of the Kerry Ring – but the family lost touch then. It would be great to find them again.
July 5, 2007 at 2:53 am
Greetings to the O’Shea/Shea/Shee brethren around the world. My Brother Bill (William) and I (Edward) are 1st Generation Americans descended or Irish born parents who emigrated to America from Limerick in 1950. Our paternal Grandfather William (Bill) O’Shea was a Master Tailor employed at the Limerick Clothing Factory for many years before he died in Aug 1947 at the (now) young age of 56. Bill married Catherine (Kitty O’Shaughnessy) and resided in Ballinacurra area of Limerick City. Bill was the oldest child of John (Jack) O’Shea and Mary Boland (m July 10, 1889)known to reside in St. Michaels Parish. Bill had 12 siblings, John Christopher, Patrick Joseph, John Joseph, Francis Thomas, Thomas Christopher, Dominick, Margaret Mary (Maggie) & Amelia Mary (twins), Mary Anne, Emily (Emma), Bridgit Gerard and Eileen. At the 1901 census John and his family resided in a row house on Pigotts Lane in Glentworth ward of St. Michaels parish in Limerick City. John may have been the 5th child and 4th son of Thomas O’Shea and Mary Mullins, though that cannot be definitively proven. Thomas (probably born in the late 1830’s) a Tailor by trade, married Mary Mullins on Feb 15, 1857 and had 10 children, Patrick, Mary Ann, Thomas, Denis, John (assumed), Joseph, Francis, Peter, Martha, Bridget and Amelia. Thomas resided at Gridiron Lane and later at Ball Alley Lane. Thomas died on Feb 17, 1909 at the age of 59.
That’s as far back as my paper trail goes. Please contact me if there are any similarities in your ancestry, I will be glad to share stories. toshea@sg-inc.com
Best Wishes, Ted.
July 6, 2007 at 5:07 am
Does anyone know anything about the O’Shea’s of Limerick ? I am particularly interested to know if anyone has more info on the offspring of Thaddeus O’Shea and Margaret Quinlan (early 1800’s). Thaddeus would be the Uncle of the famous Capt. William Henry O’Shea (of the Parnell scandal). Everywhere I have looked thus far is a dead end. Thanks. Write me at toshea@sg-inc.com
July 15, 2007 at 11:55 pm
Hi, folks. For those not aware of it, the O’Shea y-chromosome DNA study is helping to unravel the various branches of the clan. If you are a male (or have male relatives that could participate), please consider it. You will need to follow the link below and select the Y-DNA-25 test (or a Y test with more than 25 markers if you prefer):
https://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.aspx?code=F30503&special=True&projecttype=S
Best wishes,
Patrick O’Shea
July 16, 2007 at 12:20 am
Please consider joining the O’Shea Y-Chromosome DNA Study. We are making significant progress in identifying the major branches of the O’Shea clan:
https://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.aspx?code=F30503&special=True&projecttype=S
Best wishes,
Patrick O’Shea
poshea@smumn.edu
July 19, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Friends Philip J. O’Shea, Jr. (“Chip”) of Buffalo, USA and Edward F Shay III (“Tad”) of London, UK recently (May 07) joined together the Family DNA testing and today find out we are 98% match within 8 generations! Pretty funny as we were mates and the spouses are good friends since 1992 and Chip was signatory for Tad’s Irish citzenship application.
Problem is when our mutual ancestors left they old world, so did much of the history. I date back to Timothy O’Shea and Margaret Clifford of early 1800’s wher their son John was born in 1828 and emigrated to Fall River MA and changed his name to Shay.
We need more Irish based DNA participants who hopefully have good geneology history. Let’s sign more Kerry/Cork O’Shea’s up for the swab!!!!
July 29, 2007 at 12:47 am
Hi all:
My mother was a “Shea.’ Her grandmother was a “Abby Welsh, & her grandfather was John Shea from the Killarney region of Ireland. John came to America around 1869 & settled here in North Eastern Pennsylvania. My great grandmother Abbey settled in Belvidere New jersey & is buried there. Unfortunately there are no male Shea’s left in my line, and my mom was the last of the female Sheas. I wish it were possible for me to partake in the DNA testing as I surely would. I wish all who visit here much success in their quest to find their Irish roots. I’ve been over twice with my wife & 2 daughters, and stay with friends who live in Wicklow Town. I love Ireland. I wish all who visit this site God’s blessings!
August 19, 2007 at 4:04 am
Hey, this is Tim (Timmy) O’Shea from Pittsburgh, PA. Just wanted to say hello to all the other O’Shea’s in this small world.
Basic info… My wife Lori and I have 4 Sons:
Timothy (Timmy) Patrick O’Shea
Brennen Michael O’Shea
Ronan Timothy O’Shea
Aidan Michael O’Shea
I am an engineer and my wife is a nurse. Our boys are the pride and joy of our life and I am proud to have brought four more O’Shea’s into the world!!
August 28, 2007 at 1:50 am
Hi Helen O’Shea Kingi!
I would love to be in contact with you to discuss our Tipperary O’shea Ancestors!
I have had a few months off my research due to health problems but I am bach into it now.
My email is rgandkj@clear.net.nz
Hope to hear from you again,
Karen Curtis
September 4, 2007 at 5:57 am
Hello from Marion O’Shea, Townsville Queensland Australia
Our family came to Australia in 1863 from Kilkenny under a Catholic farming project. I have not been able to find any Kilkenny O’Sheas from this area. Joseph was married in Ballyraggett. Is there a branch in Australia for the DNA test as I have a brother Patrick who is the 4th generation born in Australia. Our Irish ancestors include Davis Day Ringwood Palmer and believe our Joseph’s father was James O’Shea or Shea and his wife was Bridget
Cheers
September 4, 2007 at 8:05 am
Hi Marion,
It is very interesting to hear of the “Catholic Farming Project” you mentioned in your post above. Do you have any more information on that?
We have one O’Shea in the O’Shea yDNA Project whose ancestors were from Castlecomer which is near Ballyragget so you might find a match there. We have several O’Sheas from Australia in the project and would very much welcome another!
Best wishes,
Margaret
moshea@osheaclan.org
Co-admin O’Shea yDNA project
September 4, 2007 at 9:13 pm
My Name is Patrick O’Shea from South Africa, my father was Michael O’Shea from Tralee born 25 December 1913. We have not been able to trace any of my fathers family anyone have an suggestion, My father came to South Africa afther the second world war ( he was in the merchant Navy). Would love to get in contact with any of his family
my mail is patrick@oshea.co.za
September 14, 2007 at 1:11 am
Interested to know if any of you ancient Irish history buffs have read T.F. O”Rahilly’s book entitled “Early Irish History & Mythology”. Published in 1946, Dr. O’Rahilly takes a critical look at ancient legends/stories on which The Four Master’s and many other authors based their “facts” about Irish history & genealogy. As an expert in ancient language, he makes inferences and disputes many of the “facts” handed down from earlier authors using period texts from other cultures. What he comes up with is a much more believeable history of the Irish race and links the O’Shea’s “Corcu Duibne” to The Belgaic race of Celts, sometimes called the Fir-Bolg. He indicates that they pre-dated the Milesians and had resided in South Munster for 300 years or so prior to the Milesian invasion which he dates not until 50 B.C. or so. Unlike their Northern Cousins the South Munster Belgae welcomed and joined in Alliance with the Milesian Eoganachta against the other Belgaic trbies. Consequently, the Munster Belgae (including the Corca Duibne) were grafted into the somewhat fictional genealogy of the Milesian’s.
Would be interested in hearing any comments from others who have read and studied this and other ancient texts. Love to hear what our own Dr. Patrick M. O’Shea has to say about this…
Thanks, Ted.
September 27, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Hi Ted-I also have a book that was compiled by the “Irish Families Historical Society”(1992. They do mention the earlier Belgaic settlement in Ireland, but in another place they say the O’Sheas were definitely in the Milesian line of families. I guess most of this information is based on the mythical stories of Ireland, but I think, eventually, all this DNA testing will reach back and separate what’s myth from fact. But first, I think we may find out where we were some 500 years ago. (Kerry, Tipperary, etc.)
October 4, 2007 at 3:29 am
Hi Dennis, et al,
I hope I live long enough to see some conclusive evidence from the DNA project. It is already exciting to see the inferences and the way that DNA linkage opens up a entirely new way to associate heretofore unsuspected family histories. I would love to be able to know with some confidence from where and when my ancestor came out of Kerry. Ah well, something to look forward to in my old age… All the best, Ted.
October 5, 2007 at 9:03 am
shee/ shea kilkenny… from the area just south of the city of kilkenny.. Callan and and smaller areas known as townlands..have much info of the area now after going there but still trying to trace the families who left 1850…1880.. from Foulksrath…. Coolaghmore.. Cappahenry…whitesland…. attinore…many graves in the Kilbride cemetry… the original homes are still there but the families left quietly…they were not famine victims and were kind and respected..family names born there 1820–1840 were john james edmond michael robert catherine elizabeth mary ellen johanna..
October 5, 2007 at 9:12 am
edmond shea arrived in new zealand in the 1850’s we believe via the us or canada ..still trying to trace his family that is those all born in Kilkenny..the o was added about 1870.. his parents were thomas shee/ shea and nellie miles from the Callan farming district..i now have detailed maps of the area in the 1840’s. amazing people of old families still live in the area around Callan..
October 12, 2007 at 11:01 am
Hey to all O’Shea’s, my family is (from what I’ve been told) from Kork(Cork) in Ireland. I however live in sunny South Africa. I don’t know much about my history so it would be pretty cool if I found a long lost relative on here. This is a little part of what my family tree looks like – my dad was one of four the eldest being Patrick O’Shea then Margret(Peggy) O’Shea(Dickson), then my dad Brian Joseph O’Shea and lastly Glenda O’Shea(Slabbert) then their parents were Joseph Patrick O’Shea and Amelia Theresa O’Shea(Bettini) then my Grand fathers parents were Gerald O’Shea and Mary O’Shea (Chater) and then my grand mothers parents which aren’t really all that relevent were Lorenzo Bettini and Maria Bettini.
kllyoshea@yahoo.com
Hey anybody got a family tree that looks like that it would be great talking to you. Enjoy guys.
October 13, 2007 at 7:09 pm
My grandfather was John Shea and he married my grandmother Bridget Clifford. They were married in about 1920 and settled in Teromoyle, a village just north of Caricivheen in Kerry. John Shea, my grandfather was a farmer. John and Bridget Shea had 6 children: Catherine (born 1923 – my mom), John, Patrick, Molly, Hannah/Joan and Nora (lives in Dowagiac and born 1927 – I believe. She lives in Dowagiac, Michigan). Nora, Patrick and Catherine are still alive. Patrick is still in Caricivheen and Hannah/Joan lives in Sligo and Catherine is in Chicago.
Ann Grady, live in Chicago. 49 yrs. old One day in 10 years or so I will live at least part time in Ireland probably in Kerry.
October 13, 2007 at 7:16 pm
My grandfather was John Shea, he married my grandmother Bridget Clifford and settled in Teromoyle, a village just north of Caricivheen, Kerry. John Shea, was a farmer. JThey had 6 children: Catherine (born 1923 – my mom), John, Patrick, Molly, Hannah/Joan and Nora (lives in SW Michigan). Nora, Patrick and Catherine are still alive. Patrick is still in Caricivheen and Hannah/Joan lives in Sligo. Catherine is in Chicago.
Ann Grady, live in Chicago. 49 yrs. old One day in 10 years or so I will live at least part time in Ireland probably in Kerry.
October 20, 2007 at 6:01 pm
hi to all fellow o’shea’s
my grandfather was christopher stephen o’shea a master tailor born 1893 casherciveen county kerry
he married mary jane cadden born 1894 in granard county longford.
so far i have found them living in barrack street granard in 1931.
i have no info of their life in ireland as the whole family moved to uk approx 1948
christopher had a brother michael who i believe went to find his fortune in america.
mary had a brother philip cadden who had a son tommy my dad born granard 1919 recalls his granny living with phil
any info about my family most appreciated
many thanks
berni
November 28, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Vincent Shay Says:
November 28, 2007 at 7:37 pm
For those researching Shea/OShea/Shay/Shee American ancestors a new database at Ancestry.com contains all of the passport applications
(supposedly) from 1795-1925). These documents were prepared by
the applicant and are probably more accurate than the census.
I found some very vital information concerning my maternal grandfather when he applied for a passport after living in the USA
for 40 years. The information in the 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 census databases concerning his age were all wrong.
You can check it out at your local library.
Vincent Shay
Lake Forest I
November 29, 2007 at 4:42 am
Cornelius or Con for short put roots down in Barbados and had five children the first being Daniel in 1970
December 7, 2007 at 11:55 am
Having just read through my copy of our “DNA Project Results”, I have to say it’s a well thought out, and very professional publication. Thanks so much to the O’Shea clan staff for doing this. I would make a suggestion as to getting more O’Sheas/Sheas to volunteer for the DNA test. In my case, I know my grandfather Timothy, with his mining background from the Allihies mines on the Beara Peninsula, came to Butte, Montana in 1880 to work in those copper mines. He did return to Ireland in 1892, but many of his friends and relatives stayed in Montana. From some e-mail correspondence to some people in Butte, there are still many O’Shea descendents remaining. Maybe we already have some on our list, but I will look on my own for some on these genealogy websites like Rootsweb, Ancestry,com. I think we can come up with many more if they knew where to sign on for this test. As the numbers increase, the project is really starting to tell a story. So let’s keep spreading thew word!
December 7, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Dennis
Any assistance in recruiting more members would be appreciated. O’Shea cousins of mine from the Millstreet area, also spent some time in Butte in the 1880s & 90s before moving to the new mines in Jerome, Arizona. In trying to trace them I wrote to about 50 O’Sheas in the Butte telephone directory but got just one response. At the time I was looking for genealogical data only, not being familiar with DNA testing at that time.
James O’Shea, O’Shea Clan Society
December 7, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Hi James-Yes, as you said, it’s hard to get information sometimes. I corresponded with their Silver Bow museum a few years ago, looking to see if any reords still existed from that company(Anaconda?), like pay records or sign-in logs. Nothing. I just sent a note to their local library, because many libraries here have genealogy programs. I suggested that they could have anyone searching for O’Shea/Shea family history get in contact with ‘osheaclan.org’. All of you do a terrific job, James!
December 8, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Hi all. I have just found this site and hope I can find a connection to my O’sheas. If there are any O’sheas from San Francisco, Ca. or whose family was from San Francisco, I would love to hear from you. My Jeremiah began a family there in the 1880s after coming over from Cork (or so I’ve read). He died in 1915, leaving 4 children…James, Irvine, Frank and May.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
December 10, 2007 at 3:50 am
Hi, I’ve recently received a copy of my father’s family history and have as far back as Jeremiah (Darby) O’Shea and Catherine O’Sullivan coming to Newcastle, New Brunswick, Canada in the early 1800’s from County Cork Ireland. They had their first child anout 1833 in Newcastle and proceeded to have nine more. If anyone knows the history of these two from before they came to Canada, I would love to hear about it. I am the fifth generation child from them. The ancestory information I have was compiled by Jim Mackenzie in 2004. they did get married in County Cork before they came to Canada.
Any info would be appreciated.
December 11, 2007 at 5:48 am
Hi everyone my name is David Shea. Im from kentucky. and i just found your site and wanted 2 say hey . My grandpas name was James Shea if that helps any one. I think either my great grandpa or his dad was from ireland and they settled in ky. Im on myspace. C u later cousins!
December 20, 2007 at 8:23 am
I have only recently started looking into my Dad’s family history and would love to hear from anyone who may have known him or his family. His full name was Timothy Christopher Joseph O’Shea and he had two sisters, Sheila nd Eileen. His brother John Jo died when he was very young. The family lived in Tralee in St Patricks buildings and from memory were there up until the late 60s early 70’s. My Dad sadly died 10 years ago but he was a real charactor and I want to do what I can to find out more about his younger days which he was always a bit secretive about. I know he had a bread round as a young lad and apparently the horse always knew the way home via the local bars! Had he lived Dad would have been 85 now.
December 25, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Hello,
Based on a 1938 copy of the registration of my great-grandfather’s birth, his name was John Shea. His father was Patrick Shea, a farmer, and his mother was Mary Connor Shea. The place of birth is listed as Goraletter in the county of Kerry. Other places listed are the district of Tuosist and the Superintendent-Registrar’s District of Kenmare. I know that John Shea came to the States and his name was changed to Shay. He had three children, Elsworth (Buzz), Jack and Lillian. Buzz and Jack were born in Ireland and Lillian in Boston, MA. Any information about John (aka John Joseph in the family) including any relatives that may still be in Ireland would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
January 10, 2008 at 5:34 am
Hi from NZ, my wife is tracing her ancestors and I am very interested in tracing mine. I am only a third generation Irish New Zealander so must have some reasonably close Irish relatives. My mother’s name was O’Shea and my great Grand Father was born in County Cork Ireland in 1858. His name is Patrick O’Shea. He married in NZ in 1888 a Norah Mullane who was born in 1858 in Ireland. I suspect also from County Cork. He died in NZ in 1938 after living in NZ for 51 years and Norah died in 1920 after living in NZ for 31 years. Their son Phillip O’Shea was one of the greatest cyclists ever in NZ. I am very interested in tracking my Irish family. regards Lou
January 10, 2008 at 5:39 am
I forgot to add to my last email. My Great Grandfather Patrich O’Shea father was Jeremiah O’Shea who was married to a Hannah Hudner or it may have been Hudnor. Norah’s parents were Daniel Mullane and a Margaret Aherne.
regards Lou
January 19, 2008 at 12:40 am
Our Family is originally from GORTANEDIN, Keel, Castlemaine, TRALEE, Co. Kerry, Ireland. The first confirmed date is 22nd.Feb.1814.
January 25, 2008 at 5:04 am
Hi to all O’Shea’s. Kathy O’Shea-Woodward said her family history goes back to Jeremiah (Darby)O’Shea and Catherine O’Sullivan who came came to New Brunswick, Canada, in the early 1800’s. Well, Jeremiah and Catherine are my great grandparents. (My dad was born in 1891.)I have a source that says they immigrated in 1832, but I didn’t know for sure if they were married before they came over or where they were married. Kathy, do you know where this information came from?
February 4, 2008 at 5:26 am
G’day O’Sheas, I have recently acquired my grandfather’s(John O’Shea) marriage certificate.It indicates he was born in Waterford in 1861.His father was Michael O’Shea married to Alice Nolan.I believe Michael was a ship’s captain sailing between Waterford,Cardiff and Australia(coal and passengers).I think he died and was buried in Cardiff in 1861,3 weeks before his son was born.The ship may have been “THE NANCY”. Any connections?
February 6, 2008 at 3:17 am
G’day O’Sheas
I can now correct those 1861 dates to 1863.I guess 2 years doesn’t make much difference that far in the past,but it’s a lot of difference in your own lifetime!!
February 7, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Hi,
I seem to have the ‘daftest’ name on here, covering location amd name.Have been to Ireland, wnen my name caused a little amusement, especially as I am a Welshman ….My Grand-dad was James Cornelius O’Shea who left Cork (I think) in the late 1800’s for Brecon in mid-Wales. He had lots of kids from 2 marriages here so I’ve got cousins everywhere I turn in our small town ! I’ve always believed he had brothers and sisters – where are they – and their families ? Would love to know, contact me for tentative enquiries…
Thanks,
Kerry
February 27, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Hi Bill,
I received information on the O’Shea’s from a Jim MacKenzie who was making his family tree and it began with ours. I’ve recently been contacted about the time they came over from Ireland. It was in 1837 on the Thomas Watt, although I haven’t found any record of the ship yet. I’ve also found a website that has a Jeremiah and Catherine being married in an Adrigole Parish. Don’t know if it is them and from my information given to me by Mike O’Shea, my Uncle in Mirmamichi, their first child must have been born in Ireland. If you want a copy of the family tree I have, which you are listed in, by the way, let me know, I’ll be glad to send it to you.
Kathy Woodard
March 5, 2008 at 9:22 pm
hi all
my wife is mary teresa o’shea
my son tyrone john henson o’shea
my wifes family are from limerick city
theres still a few there
March 10, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Kerry O’Shea the Welshman – drop me a line at oshea.jamesc@gmail.com, we will see if any light can be thrown on your grandfather’s story.
March 15, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Dear Kathy Woodward & Bill O’Shea
I have completed some web research on Jeremiah Darby O’Shea and Catherine O’Sullivan as Bill & I have a common DNA match. The 1852 Canadian census is available, but no other details on 1) date of emigration and/or 20 specific origin. I also have a circa 1896 death certificate but not sure if correct person – but it states no details to corroborate other info.
O’Sullivan and O’Shea marrying in Kerry/Cork is a not exact science – BUT if Adrigole Parish is correct….Bill are you a high match with JOHN F OShea thru FamilyTreeDNA? He is from there and his people go back to 1786?
BR, Tad Shay
March 17, 2008 at 2:51 am
Michael, (March 5 Posting)
My Family is also from Limerick City and fairly recently. Father, Edward O’Shea born Limerick City 1917 and emigrated to USA in 1949 from there. Grandfather William (Bill) O’Shea was oldest Brother of 12 brothers/sisters. See my posting July 5, 2007 for details. We have lost all connection with Limerick relations. Would love to hear more about your O’Shea relations still in Limerick City and explore if there might be a connection.
March 17, 2008 at 10:06 am
Hi Ted,
Have you tried contacting any O’Sheas currently living in Limerick? You can look up the eircom phone book at:http://www.eircom.com
Margaret Jordan
March 17, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Researching Shea, Michael 1812-1881 and wife Mary Agnes Farrell 1812-1888 from Limerick. at least two children born in Ireland: Mary Bridget 1845-1924 (my great grandmother) and Michael 1846-1925, others born here in US. Came before 1850 to US perhaps via Canada and settled in St. Johnbury, Vermont.
March 17, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Hi,
My maiden name is O’Shea and I have just started to attempt to trace my family history. I live in Portland, Oregon in USA. I am very excited that I came across this website. Good day to all the O’Shea’s out there.
March 18, 2008 at 5:40 am
HiClan, My name is Robin Shea, son of Leonard Shea and grandson of Phillip Shea. We are living in Calgary Canada, but originate from Brisbane, Australia. Our family came to Australia (Geelong in Victoria) from Tipperary through Robert Shea circa 1890’s. Robert served in the British Army, before emigrating to Australia.
Many relatives in Victoria Australia, we have lost contact with, would like to know more about our branch of the family.
March 28, 2008 at 12:03 am
To Edward “Tad” Shay:
The copy of my family tree states that Jeremiah “Darby” O’Shea died on November 9, 1886. His gravestone is in Red Bank, New Brunswick along with Catherine’s. The info I received on the ship they immigrated on also stated that his name was put down as Darbry, I figure a misspelling on his part or someones. Could that be of any assistance to you in matching your info to mine?
Kathy
April 2, 2008 at 2:58 am
I have familiy in Adrigole Ireland who run a farm on the bera pinisula. I am trying to contact my uncle Fieachna and Aunt Mary. Not sure of the street name, visited many years ago and have lost touch. The have a farm and also a periwinkle fishing business. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get thier phone number or address?
thanks,
please send info to cshea01@yahoo.com
April 3, 2008 at 2:09 pm
My name is Lauren O’Shea Logan originally from Boston, Massachusetts, now living in Durham, North Carolina. My grandfather, Michael O’Shea, was born August 19, 1877 to Bootmaker Michael O’Shea and wife Honora (Sullivan) O’Shea of Cappanagrown, Cahirsiveen, Kerry. Possible siblings of my grandfather include Jenny, Bridget and John. My grandfather came from Ireland to Boston in 1912(?)and married Catherine Kelly of Colchester CT (1913). I’m hoping to take my own family to Ireland and am doing a little research first. I certainly appreciate any relevant information. Thanks!
Lauren
April 4, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Looking for info on my O’Shea ancestors. My gggrandparents were Jack O’Shea and Johanna Doyle O’Shea, believed to be from Cork. They had at least the following children…not sure if there were more: my ggrandmother, Johanna O’Shea (aka Anna Josephine) b: 1880s d: 1967 NYC and married Harry Paul Regan b: 1891 d: 1968 LI, NY; Margaret O’Shea, Jack O’Shea, Abigail O’Shea, and Catherine (aka Katie/Kitty). All of these children came to NYC from Ireland. Anna Josephine and Harry are my great grandparents and I have their info running down to my generation. Need help going back. Any relatives out there?
April 7, 2008 at 8:47 am
Greetings Clan! First time to the site, new to the 21st century. Martial Arts instructor and writer in Memphis, TN, USA. Single, love of my life passed some 15 years ago now, wait tables to fund classes for inner-city kids. Head of Security for my community 15 years, no extra holes. Father Dan O’Shea was a Navy man from New York, emigrated through Canada as a child, and Mother Dorthy, still living, nee Hays, is the daughter of sharecroppers in middle Tennessee, first in our family to graduate college at 62 years young. Will post blog address once I figger out what a blog is and how to post one.
April 9, 2008 at 9:19 pm
To Maureen, (March 17 posting):
There are some records to be found from Limerick during the period you mentioned, especially in Limerick City and toward the latter part of the 1800’s. If you can narrow it down to the parish or town where your ancestors may have resided you’ll have a much better chance at finding a trace of them. Contact me if you’d like to discuss. toshea@sg-inc.com. Best of Luck !
May 1, 2008 at 1:56 am
Hi. My name is Jim Hoover. I live in Perth Western Australia. My mother was born Elizabeth O’Shea in Tralee 21st October, 1934. She has a Birth and Baptismal Certificate from St John’s Church in Tralee which shows her parent’s as being Jeremiah O’Shea and Johanna Scanlon of 17 Mary St in Tralee. I searched the records of Joyce House and they have no official record of such a birth. When I asked my mother about this she impersonated a clam. I would welcome any advice which will assist me to verify the circumstances of her birth. Thankyou.jnhoover@gmail.com
May 4, 2008 at 9:17 am
Hi O’Shea researchers. I am an O’Shea ancestor my dad is Robert Micheal Patrick O’Shea and his father was a John William O’Shea. He was married to Alice Crawte and this was a prodestant/catholic marriage so was quite controversial. They married around 10 Feb 1926 in Dublin. I have little to go on for John O’Shea. If you have any info that may help me please feel free to email me on carolyn63@bigpond.com
May 4, 2008 at 9:46 am
Carolyn, When I read your comment above, I checked the 1911 online Census for Dublin (the only county which is online so far). I found only one family of Crawte (which is a very unusual name in ireland). They were living in the “North Dock Wall”. Do you have this information already? I then looked for Shea and O’Shea families who lived in the same area and found a few which you might want to check these out. the 1911 census is at: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie
You might be able to get the Civil marraige record knowing where Alice Crawte lived and find out more about John O’Shea’s family from the certificate.
May 6, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Hello to all O’Sheas, I am thrilled to see that I have some relatives on this blog. Namely Kathy O’Shea Woodard, Bill O’Shea and who knows who else? My father is Dan O’Shea from North Bay On, his father was James Elmer O’Shea from Mirimichi NB I would love to connect with you guys patricks@telus.net
May 16, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Hi all the o’sheas; I was once very much in love with a Daniel Joseph Shea in the early 70’s . He has a sister, Marilyn. Anyhow, I would love to see how his life turned out. He loved to sing many irish tunes, If anyone knows his wereabouts, I would appreciate it if I could gain access to his e-mail address by posting it on this website, only if it will not cause any problems for him or anyone in his life, at this time.
NAMASTE
lORRAINE Murray- Crowder
May 22, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Any O’Shea’s in US with relations originally from South Roscommon, near Athlone?
May 26, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Hi,
James O’Shea wrote “Our Family is originally from GORTANEDIN, Keel, Castlemaine, TRALEE, Co. Kerry, Ireland. The first confirmed date is 22nd.Feb.1814.”
Would like to compare notes. Our family was in Tralee c.1813. Dennis O’Shea/Johanna Barton married 1833 St Johns Church Tralee. Son Eugene born 1841 emigrated to U.S. 1863 settled in New Hampshire.
\Kevin O’Shea
June 7, 2008 at 10:06 am
I have participated in the OSHEA DNA project and now have at minimum 6 other “matches” that indicate we have a 88% probability, or above, a common ancestor within 200 years. In addition, I have stored 10 family trees on http://www.ancestry.com to monitor the progress. People like Kevin (above), Joe, Chip, James, Richard, Bill and Dennis have emailed, shared pictures and compared family trees with one another to bridge the science to hopefully prove out an Irish origin match circa 1780 -1800s. We all are Kerry Peninsula but vary from Tralee to Kenmare to end of Iveragh points west. Some were Canada immigrants, others US. Four of us are exact matches (100% match!) so we continue the quest against odds. I have also worked with Margaret and James of this website who I want to thank for their assistance and passion!
June 8, 2008 at 4:16 am
David Shea of Kentucky, USA says that his grandpa was James. I’ll leave a quote from Robert Shea, my great uncle about what we know of our history. The coming of my son in Aug. of 2008 has sparked this interest heavily. His name will be Grady. My brother and I have considered changing our name to O’Shea to recapture the Irish heritage we believe we hold.
On with Robert Shea’s memory of family heritage….
“Your Great Grandfather (My Dad): James Joseph Shea, 1893 – 10 JUN 38 – Youngstown Ohio. One brother and 3 sisters that I know of. Younger brother Walter of Youngston. Sister Nellie (or Helen) Shea Kelly, husband Tom, Youngstown. Lill Shea Mcgonigal, Husband Jimmy, Golf Pro, Youngstown.
Jo (maybe Joan, Josephine – Don’t really know) Shea Coleman, Struthers/Youngstown.
Nelly Kelly has one daughter and 5 sons, Peggy, Paul, Bill, Dick, Walter and Jack. All of Youngstown.
Aunt Lill had no children. Aunt Jo had a bunch, but don’t remember any of them. Her husband was known as “Nip” Not sure if that was his name or a slang.
The only one that I know of that may be still alive is Peggy Kelly Yatsko, last known address: 8226 Maramount, #B, Youngstown Ohio, 44512. She also had a winter home in Florida
Your Grandfather: Thomas James Shea, 8 APR 1927 – 26 MAY 80.
A bit more on your Great Grandma’s side. Marie M. (Brown) Shea, 2 FEB 1902 – 14 APR 97. Her Father/Mother, Barbara (Schmuck) Brown, Martin Brown, In and around Shelby County, Ohio.
Schmucks: Mary Frye, Emma, (more, but don’t remember much of othere. Mary (Aunt Mamie) had two Sons, Francis and Dick of Chrestline/Mansfield. (Your Dad knew them).”
June 16, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Hi to all of the O’Shea’s & Shea’s. My great grandfather was William L. O’Shea, as was my grandfather. I was told that my great grandfather moved to the U.S. when he was 14. I don’t know much else, I know that he named me, and I am finding that my name is quite common among the O’Shea clan. Still it is a great name, I have always been very proud of it. Proud to be an O’Shea. There are a few of us along the gulf coast in Alabama, U.S. and we are all kin, still I don’t know all of my heritage, so if anyone could help, thanks. I know I don’t have much info to go on.
June 29, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Hi to all You Shea/O’Shea’s, out there.
I am searching, for the Parents of:
JAMES I.(Ivery/Ivory) O’Shea.
Born, 05 March,1886.
Probably places of Birth, Bardstown, or around, Louisville, KY.
Mother’s name was Elizabeth, but her last name, is unknown.
Father is unknown, also, at this time.
JAMES I., may have had 2 siblings.
All help, is greately appreciated.
Thankyou
Deanna S.
June 29, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Hi Deanna,
In case it is of any help, the surname “Ivory” is quite common in Wexford and occurs in Waterford as well. Perhaps the surname Ivory was James’ mother’s surname and James was given the name as his middle name because of that?
Best wishes,
Margaret Jordan
June 30, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Hello to all the O`Shea and Shay clan`s.My name is Wayne O`Shea son of Denis Brian O`Shea,Who is Son of Patrick O`Shea of Cork city. My Son Conar O`Shea is researching our family tree at school and has come accross a name that i have not heard of before so i was wondering if anyone might know anything about him he is King Brian Bareau, He is not sure if the spelling of the surname is correct and we have googled it but we can`t find any reffrence, My grandad Patrick gave us the details, as far as he could remember he has some connection with the O`Shea clan, but that is all we have we dont even have a date, can anyone shed any light on the name? Thanks in advance my son will be very happy if you could help.
July 4, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Wayne
This is a rarely used spelling of Brian Boru high king of Ireland who died at the battle of Clontarf 1014. He is the originator of the ‘O’Brien’ clan and was from the Clare/Limerick area of Munster
July 5, 2008 at 5:01 am
To Karen Curtis nee O’Shea
Saw your query re O’Shea of Coleman, Tipperary. My O’Shea ancestors also lived there for a period of time. Don’t know if we could be related as there were lots of O’Sheas in the locality. We have a newspaper report of the funeral of a sister of my great grandfather’s in 1902 which lists many of the families they was related to. My great grandfather was Nicholas and his father was Thomas. Get in touch and we’ll see if we can help.
Bob
July 12, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Hello Shannon Patrick:
I looked on my ancestry records I have and it looks to me that your grandfather and mine were brothers, so yes, we are related somehow. Nice to hear from you.
Kathy
July 12, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Researching John D Shea born 15 Jan.1851 somewhere in Country Cork (I Think). Arrived in the USA on 24 Mar. 1872. The story is that he met and married his wife, Hannah, aboard ship. I have found him on the ships records. He docked at Castle Garden, New York port.They list his designation as 7328. Does anyone have a clue how I can find out where that was?? He was a miner in Houghton, Michigan and Leadville, CO. He had a brother Patrick born in Ireland in 1844-45. He had other brothers and sisters, I do not know their names. I am trying to find out his parents names and what town they are from. Any help would be appreciated.
July 14, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Hello out there! My father was Daniel John O’Shea and his father came over and became a U.S. citizen by fighting in the war (WWI I think). His father’s name was Daniel Joseph O’Shea and he was from Killarney. I visited there a couple of years ago and it was neat to see all of the businesses that were owned by O’Sheas! My father’s mother’s name was Bridgette Gleason originally although she changed it to Frances later. Her father’s name was John Gleason and I believe that he also came over from Ireland. So my father was full irish and I am a little over half irish.
July 21, 2008 at 4:40 pm
To Bill O’Shea
I was just up in Miramichi at the 25th annual Irish Festival and went to the Geneology classes they had set up in the community college and found out in the 1851 cencus, the earliest census they have, that Jeremiah (Darby) O’Shea and Catherine as well as their oldest daughter Julia all came from Ireland in 1820! Another piece of info i found out from the women there is that someone goes around to the houses and finds out who lives there and if they aren’t home at the time they aren’t put down, so in 1851, Julia wasn’t there but in 1861 she was and they listed her from Ireland. I also bought a book on descendants from North Esk which has some infor on Jeremiah, if you would like i could scan it into my computer, the parts about Jeremiah and send it to you.
Thanks, Kathy
July 21, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Good news regarding the roll-out of the 1911 Census for Kerry:
See: http://mjordan.wordpress.com/2008/07/21/update-on-roll-out-of-1901-and-1911-census-ireland/
for an update.
July 28, 2008 at 12:12 pm
My mother Regina O’Donnell came from the line of Bridget O’Shea and Daniel O’Donnell. They were probably born 1835-1845. I am not sure where either was born. They can be found in the 1880 census in Philadelphia along with their children. I don’t know if they were married in Philly or the old country. If anyone can shed some light for me it would be appreciated. They of humble means went on to foster a large and successful family. Their son Edward O’Donnell was my great grandfather.
August 4, 2008 at 10:16 pm
I am tryng to find information about my O’Shea gggrandparents. My gggrandfather was Mathew I don’t know my gggrandmothers name, their daughter,my GGrandmother was Ellin O’Shea(b1870-d1910)she was also known as Nellie. Ellin was born in Cork although I don’t know where abouts.Ellin married James Galvin of Kilrush Co Clare at Limerick Cathedral in 1899.The marriage cert states her father was dead before the marriage and that he had been a carpenter. It also states she was residing at John’s Place Limerick at the time of the marriage.James and Ellin had one child and lived and died in Kilrush I don’t know if Ellin had any brothers or sisters.
August 6, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Hi O’Sheas!!! im an O’Shea too! I’m from wallingford Connecticut.
September 1, 2008 at 10:04 am
It might be of interest to O’Sheas to know the latest news from the National Archives (www.nationalarchives.ie) of Ireland re the rolling out of the 1911 Census
“The records for 1911 are being digitised first, then those for 1901. Kerry, Antrim and Down will be available online in October 2008. Publication of the other counties will follow, in the order listed below, between then and mid-2009. More precise timescales will be posted when available.”
September 2, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Hello and thanks for this website. I would like to connect with any Sheas from Ballylusky- near Ballydavid- on the Dingle peninsula. My g-g-grandfather,Muiris(maurice), a blacksmith, left in 1846-7 with his wife,Ellen Moriarty, and all their children. His parents were John and Johanna Shea of Ballylusky. Judging from the Griffiths Valuation of 1857, it looks like he may have left some sibblings behind. There is now one Shea family in Ballylusky, but they are more recently arrived from elsewhere. Thanks
September 7, 2008 at 12:43 am
My ggrandparents were Jeremiah O’Shea and Catherine (b. 1796). They emigrated to Montreal, date unknown. Jeremiah was a Merchant Tailor. Their son, Cornelius, also a merchant tailor (b. 1838), married Elizabeth Doyle in Montreal and moved to Cleveland, Ohio approx 1867. Children John (b. 1864 in Montreal), Joseph, Denis (Willian(, Jeremiah (James), Mary. I have not been able to locate any information before the 1870 US census. I have only been able to trace the line through Jeremiah James. Any additional information or family link would be appreciated
September 8, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Greetings, My name is Jason Patrick O’Shea. I am keen to chase my Irish roots to pass on to my sons. Proud to be an O’Shea I hope i find a history to be proud of.
September 8, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Hi to all the O’Sheas
Can anyone help I am trying to trace my family history which is proving difficult as no-one in the family knows much! My Nan was Kathleen O’Shea born possibly in Ardae on 18th June 1913, we have a copy of a birth cert. which says her father was John D O’Shea (farmer) and her mother Ellen O’Brien. However on her marriage cert to grandad it say her father is William O’Shea (Deceased) General Labourer. Having spoken to aunts there was a sister of Kathleen called Mary who had a daughter called May. OK, Kathleen came to London in about 1934 and her sister Mary was a few years younger or older, so in about 1957 May was brought over to London with her mother (Mary) to find work. We think Ellen O’Shea died around the 1060’s. From old pictures my aunts do think that it is possible their grandparents (John D and Ellen) did live or work on a farm. Anyone with any help at all would be wonderful, feeling very proud to have Irish Roots and want to find out more. Thanks Karen mail@equine-therapies.co.uk please contact if anyone knows anything.
September 17, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Hi to all O’Sheas
I am from Malta and my great grandfather, i.e. the father of my grandma was Patrick O’Shea. It would be interesting is there are still some relatives. I will post further details later on. Btw I am getting married in less than a month and going to Ireland for my honeymoon. It was always my dream since in someway I feel attached to Ireland may be because everyone tells me that I look a lot like him. Cheers
September 18, 2008 at 11:49 am
Hello,
my name is Judy & I am looking for my husband’s maternal great-grandfather John O’Shea born c1837 in Kilkenny, Ireland. He married Catherine Carr born c1851 in Kilkenny, Ireland.
They came to Australia, ?when ?how, so don’t know where they married. All their children were born in Victoria, Australia, & they eventually ended up in Burnie, Tasmania. Catherine’s cousin Thomas Joseph Carr was Archbishop of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
I am having great difficulty finding any of their forebears. Any leads would be great.
Cheers Judy
September 18, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Hello Judy,
Have you looked at the online free searchable Griffith’s Valuation for O’Shea and Carr?
This is at:
http://griffiths.askaboutireland.ie/gv4/gv_family_search_form.php
and might help to locate where the families were circa 1850. By the way, Griffiths Valuation covers all of Ireland.
Margaret Jordan
September 23, 2008 at 8:30 pm
We are looking to trace JOHN O’shea from County Kerry, Castleisland, migrated to Australia around 1860 ish married Bridget (Bridgit?) Connlly/Connley from County Galway, after meeting on ship to Australia. Stayed in Queensland Australia, had 11 children last child born 1916. Patricia Pauline O’Shea – Patricia married Colin Hardwick Rockhampton Queensland Australia.
Any information and corrections on information most welcome. We have little or no fact to trace. Many thanks
September 24, 2008 at 11:37 am
pa shea here from crettyard co laois.son of jack shea same address.looking for any family of same
September 24, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Rather unexpectedly I’m taking my first trip to Ireland in November. One of my sisters had been there last year; she looked for a ‘Smithy on Lauragh Road’, I believe on the Dingle Penninsula in County Kerry, but couldn’t find it. Supposedly a relative of mine – it could be a Michael Shea – whose family had emigrated to the US returned (I don’t know when, may 50-75 years ago) at some point to operate the Smithy when the local Shea’s had ‘run out’. Does this sound familiar to anyone? If so, anything you can add to this story? We have a hand-painted picture of the cottage someone had done, with the reference to Lauragh Road, and that’s pretty much it …
September 25, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I knew Cornelius o’Shea who lived in Trinidad.W.I…taught Physics at Presentation College, then left for Babados,,,His 1st son was Danny…
September 27, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Thankyou to all at shea clan and for the priviledge of the science of DNA>>My cousin Brian O’shea in NZ.. tested for our family and we have the results…however just a gentle reminder that if you change your email address please notify DNA>>> as i can only speak to 2 out of 6 of my exact or 1 removed new cousins…Managed to travk down Kerrie shea in Bacchus Marsh [ extinct email riccoshea.com .au]by a process of elimination phone calls only…I would really like to talk to William A o’shea who posted a bout Richard and Walter shea…connection to the Savage family..my emils keep coming back and i have verification of his family..Gret to talk to Martin Archer-shee in Nova Scotia and Linda and Tony and Tim in the States…wonderful conclusions.. now the journey backwards and forwards.. thanks again Brian James margaret And Patrick.. warm wishes from sunny mount maunganui Nz
September 28, 2008 at 9:16 am
DNA testing .. a huge thankyou to the lovely committed web masters of this Shea site.. we have some great results of 3 exact matches and 3 others ,, could i please urge all those registered to update their email address on the dna project as i have only been able to talk to 2 of the matches as emails get returned to me… badly need to talk to william;;; o’shea wmoshea@earthlink.com.i believe margaret Jordan had some info for you about walter and Richard..well it is the same family i have tried to email you about as our s is an exact match…DNA also trying to find the old holder of steveoshea@earthlink..it seems our kilkenny biths 1820 -1840 had their roots in Ballyferriter and Borrisoleigh..thanks for wonderful contacts gen distance 1 to Linda Tim TONY and Martin archer Shee..thanks to Kerrie in Bacchus Marsh for your warm reception.. Warm wishes and Grateful thanks to Patrick Margaret James and Brian,, Helen O”shea KIngi in nz
October 11, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Found this spot during a web search for Cornelius O’Shea. I am a San Francisco O’Shea. My Great Grandfather was Cornelius (born in Ireland)and he married Johanna/Hanna. My grandmother Margaret O’Shea was born in San Francisco in 1865. She married John James Tierney. They both lived and died in San Francisco. This is the only information I have on my O’Shea side of the family. Sound familiar to anyone?
October 13, 2008 at 1:08 am
I just wanted to say hello. I just came accross this website, and it seems interesting. My name is Jason E O’shea. My dad’s family is not very close; so I really don’t know much about my family. I live about 30 miles South of St. Louis, Missouri in the United States. I haven’t explored this site enough to know what it is all about, but obviously since it is an O’shea website, I’d like to be involved.
Thanks
October 14, 2008 at 2:58 am
Just wanted to say hi. My family has been in the States for a few generations now, though I am unsure exactly at which point they came here from Ireland. Like Jason, I’m not sure what this site is about exactly, but I’d like to be a part of it.
Colleen, that does sound familiar – my grandfather, Patrick O’Shea, was born and raised in San Fran. However, I was born and raised in the Washington, DC metro area.
October 14, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I`m a shea from Prince Edward Island canada, my gggrandfather William shea, married Mary MacDonald from Moidart scotland. They were married in antigonish Nova Scotia and moved to pei in 1844. all their children were born in Nova Scotia. Hi to everyone – I would like to know if anyone has any information on William´s parents, name etc.
October 21, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Hi everybody, my mother is o,shea from Buttevant co. cork . her uncles went to america in the 1800.they came from castletownroach in cork . does it ring a bell ,would love to trace my americian cousins.
October 24, 2008 at 7:47 am
Hello tribespeople everywhere. Greetings from Plymouth, England. My greatgrandfather lived in Midleton, Co. Cork in the mid-19th century and was married to a Hanna McCarthy. One branch of the family came to Plymouth in the Royal Navy, the other went to Wales. One of the Welsh offspring was Tessie O’Shea a famous music hall entertainer in the UK. She would have been my grandfather’s first cousin. I would love to hear from anyone with Midleton or Welsh links.
October 24, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Looking for Shay Family from Wilkesboro,NC.
October 29, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Patty;
Mom died 2006 and dad passed 1999. I am it now. I see you married an Irishman? You can write me at tadshay@mac.com. I have lived in London UK for past 8 years but now in Cape Cod. Really looking forward to hearing from you?! Tad
October 30, 2008 at 11:10 am
Hi to all fellow O’Shea/Shea,
What a great site, I found while searching for family ancestry. My g-g-grangparents, Patrick O’Shea and Mary Galvan lived in the village of Kenmare in County Kerry. Their 5th child, my
g-grandfather John Patrick O’Shea born 03.16.1859 immigrated to the US late in the 1800’s. He married Julia Sullivan (born 10.12.1862) also of Kenmare in County Kerry.
Any additional info would be greatly appreciated.
November 2, 2008 at 12:19 am
Hi all,
I’m Briony Aurelia O’Shea, and I’m 13. I would be really interested to hear from any other O’Sheas in any parts of the world.
feel free to email me at -
brionyorama@gmail.com
November 3, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Need information on my grandfather Harry Jack O’Shea/Shea (he said he dropped O’ because he was tired of writing it). Supposedly born Chicago ILL 25 Mar 1886 to Michael & Mary M. Mortensen O’Shea (names on his marriage license), both supposedly born Ireland. They supposedly owned land in the Loop area. After returning from working on a cattleboat, he was told both parents died/killed and only sibling, a brother died in Alaska on gold rush. (Another story that mother died heartbroken after the brother died.) He supposedly gave everything to his only cousin a woman named Charlotte and left Chicago. Supposedly joined army and fought under Pershing. Wound up in Waterbury CT where he enlisted for WW1, fought in France where he was mustard gassed. Married Erma Maria Stohl (age 20) of Hungary in Wtby, CT 1920, died Southington, CT 1951. Also haven’t been able to locate him anywhere in church or census records and military file was incomplete due to fire.
Anyone missing Harry Jack, blond and blue eyed, 5 foot 7 and a half inches tall, and about 143 pounds? His children and grandchildren would like to know! All help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
November 4, 2008 at 2:42 am
Rather unexpectedly I’m taking my first trip to Ireland in November. One of my sisters had been there last year; she looked for a ‘Smithy on Lauragh Road’, I believe on the Dingle Penninsula in County Kerry, but couldn’t find it. Supposedly a relative of mine – it could be a Michael Shea – whose family had emigrated to the US returned (I don’t know when, may 50-75 years ago) at some point to operate the Smithy when the local Shea’s had ‘run out’. Does this sound familiar to anyone? If so, anything you can add to this story? We have a hand-painted picture of the cottage someone had done, with the reference to Lauragh Road, and that’s pretty much it …
There is a parish of Lauragh in Co Kerry, to the South of Kenmare town. Could this be the area you are looking for? It is on the Beara peninsula,
Sean
Sean
November 4, 2008 at 3:21 am
Hello to all the Shea clan. I’m the older brother of Jacci Shea Wagner above and now live in Los Angeles, Ca. but formerly from Southington, Ct..
What a great website! It’s really amazing how big the Shea clan around the world. Seems like we are almost everywhere.
I’m interested in doing the yDNA test and possibly finding any connection to family back in Ireland or anywhere for that matter.
In her message above re my grandfather Harry Jack Shea/O’Shea owning land around the Loop area she meant in Chicago, USA. I would appreciate any information on our family be forwarded to her as she is the historian
in the family. T%hat’s all for now. I will start checking in regularly as this is very interesting.
Thanks,
Dan Shea
November 4, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hi Dan & Jacci,
The yDNA test might help your family to find matches to other O’Sheas.
https://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.aspx?code=F30503&special=True&projecttype=S
Griffith’s Valuation, a survey taken in Ireland circa 1852, is available, free online to search at:
http://griffiths.askaboutireland.ie/gv4/gv_family_search_form.php
This might help to pinpoint
This might help with the paper trail in Ireland.
Regards,
Margaret (O’Shea) Jordan
Cork
November 5, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Sean and Margaret (O’Shea) Jordan,
Thanks so much for your comments! Sean, I don’t know but that is a thought. As far as we know our Harry Jack had no living relatives after 1917, and we have really a blank on his life before that and especially 1900 to 1917. Certainly worth checking on I think.
We are ordering the dna kit for 37 markers today, Margaret, and I will check out the other link you have sent.
We appreciate everyone’s help! Look forward to matching with SOME one some day!
Jacci Shea Wagner
November 11, 2008 at 8:23 pm
hi to all the o’sheas out there, my name is mary murray. my dad was patrick o’shea from tralee co kerry bornin 1922, i have recently been doing our family treeand have managed to trace my grandfather as john joseph o’shea married to mary moriarty, john josephs father isjames o’shea married to Nora(hannah) nagle. i have no dates or addresses for these two but i presume it could still be tralee, if any one could help me i would be delighted. by the way brilliant website.
November 15, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Greetings to all O’Shea clan members throughout the world.
I have only just found this site, and hope to perhaps eventually find out some more info on our O’Sheas, who originally came from County Cork.
We are in South Australia, but have close O’Shea rellies in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. I have information after 1865 on our branch, but have been unable to find on which ship and exactly when our ancestor John Augustine O’Shea came from Cork to NSW. According to his death certificate it would have been in about 1848 at about the age of 16yrs. He married Mary Veronica Coghlan b c1834 Dublin, in Sydney NSW in 1854.
The eldest son in each generation since has been named John, and Terence, James, Brian, Joseph and William have been common boys names. Have no idea about any of his siblings, parents etc so would love to find out more.
I am hoping my brother will take part in the yDNA project, eventually.
Would love to hear if anyone may have info on O’Shea’s from Cork who had a John who perhaps headed in a different direction around the late 1840’s, as i haven’t been able to find a trace of him prior to his marriage. As far as i know he wasn’t related to the O’Shea’s who settled in Victoria (Bacchus Marsh area) but i also do not know whether he came via elsewhere, or whether his family had moved to US or Canada from county Cork, then he came over here.
Would appreciate any help with this very elusive gggrandfather!! Thanks everyone.
November 18, 2008 at 10:16 am
My grandmother was Grace Shea and I’ve traced her family back to Tralee, Kerry where William was born (1770). Sgt William Shea was with the Royal Cork Regiment in Cork City when he joined the 41st Regiment and sailed to Canada in 1799. Sgt William and his wife Cecilia Kelly lived in various garrisons: Quebec City, Three Rivers, Chambly (Quebec), Kingston Ontario and finally settled in Richmond (Ottawa) Ontario after the 1812-1814 war.
Throughout the famine years he sent money back to Ireland so likely there were siblings.
William and Cecilia’s sons were John (1816) and William (1817), daughters Marie (1800 married Gormley), Nancy “Ann” (1802 married McGinn), Jane (married McCabe), Elizabeth (1810), Catherine (1815 married Murphy). Marie’s daughter Jane (1822 married Hanrahan), Ann and Catherine moved to Petersville, Iowa, in the 1850s. John stayed in the Ottawa area. Jane and William unknown.
To Pat O’Shea of Bay City Michigan: Michael O’Shay was the godparent at the baptism of William 11 January 1818 at Chambly Quebec.
alexapritchard @ hotmail. com (spaces left deliberately to avoid spam)
November 18, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Hello O’Shea’s, well my grandfather, John Francis O’Shea was born in the U.S. from Irish Parents. He married my grandmother who’s Mexican, which is an odd combination, i know
and they had 5 children, which includes my mother. I believe he had other brothers and sisters who lived in the New York area, where he worked and lived most of his life before dying in Mexico before my mother was born.
Well my best wishes to all the O’Shea’s around the world.
November 20, 2008 at 7:38 pm
My father James O’Shea is south african and so am I. I have been to Ireland and plan on going again to see if I can find out any information on my grandfather Maxwell O’Shea I know he is from Dublin but that is all I know.
Could you tell me how to go about this as I have no idea on where to begin the information I have is very little. And my aunt in Australia “might” be able to assist me with some of the paperwork. I do however know that with some giudance I could find some answers.
Thanks Lauren
November 20, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Hi Lauren,
Do you have an approx. date of birth for your grandfather? If you could give some idea of when your grandfather was living in Dublin, it would help in giving you some advice on where to look for information. Did he leave Ireland? If so, where did he go?
Regards,
Margaret
December 2, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Family Tree DNA announced on the 25th November 2008: “end-of-the-year tradition, effective November 26th, 2008 we’ll institute special pricing at Family Tree DNA for your new-kit-purchasing participants.”
This means that the 37 marker yDNA test costs $119 and the 67 marker yDNA test is $218 as of 26th Nov. 2008 for a few weeks. If any O’Sheas are thinking of doing a yDNA test, this might be useful for you to know. The price applies to kits ordered through a project such as the O’Shea yDNA Surname Project:
https://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.aspx?code=F30503&special=True&projecttype=S
Best wishes,
Margaret
Co-admin O’Shea yDNA Project
December 6, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Anxiously awaiting results of my dad’s yDNA test. In the meantime, looking for any Shay/Shea people from the Tipperary area.
Our earliest known ancestor is Philip Shay born 1774 probably NY state. He possibly had a brother named Joseph.
Looking particularly for a Philip or Joseph Shay born in the mid 1700s.
Philip seems a common Christian name in Tipperary so I’m starting there.
Thanks for any help or direction you can provide.
Connie Shay
December 8, 2008 at 9:01 am
All the best wishes for your results Connie.. I know the expectation levels you are awaiting… we too tested and recently came up with 3 exact 37 markers.. so good luck ..our ancestors were from Kilkenny and the dna results now say Tipperary also..you are probably like us and had hit many brick walls.. Please read the amazing letter on the shea clan i think it is in newsletter 3 or 4..they were from Borrisoleigh in Tip and this is our new connection ..warm wishes to shea.s everywhere..
December 13, 2008 at 9:25 am
We are the only O’Shea family left in Quebec City. My aunt who’s name was Irene O’Shea was married to Benedict Mulroney. She was the mother of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. My father was Thomas and my mother was a Mary Bowles. Was wondering if anyone has any information about this O’Shea family, any information, small or big. Long Live the O’Sheas. Take care.
December 19, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I would like to wish All O’Sheas a Merry Christmas. I probably have one of the wildest stories on this site. My last name is Schroyer but when I had my DNA analyzed it was a close match to Archer-Shee. I appreciate being included in the Data Base. My children are excited by the results also. I traced my Schroyer line back a few hundred years but there is so much info that does not add up. The Schroyer men were married to Irish sounding names like Mead B. 1814, Jackman B.1857, Collison B 1877, Sanders B.1904. Most United States imigrants lived in communities that shared the same culture. I believe there may have been some confusion with the spelling way back. I understand the Celtic spelling of O’Shea was a lengthy spelling with the same number of letters as Schroyer. I live in Arizona. My e-mail address is lynnschroyer@cox.net if anyone wants to communicate.
December 23, 2008 at 4:10 am
This is for Roy Shea posted Oct. 14, 2008. I have a full Shea tree of the PEI families, including the ancestor of your William, and would be pleased to receive your contact or info. send to
December 23, 2008 at 4:14 am
My e-mail address which should have been included above is nelsonrf@telus.net .. Ron Nelson.
December 24, 2008 at 4:24 am
Merry Christmas O’Sheas. Have communicated with Margaret O’Shea Jordan and Tad Shay many times over the last few years and they have been incredibly friendly and helpful. Unfortunately my 37 marker yDNA test didn’t come back with anything concrete but on the plus side I did write away for the 1911 census and received it a few weeks ago. Just my luck it’s all going online soon. My Great Grandfather Patrick H. O’Shea was from Cahersiveen, born 1850. He was a RIC officer and stationed in Cork. There he met my Great Grandmother Mary Kirby and lived on the Kirby’s farm in Ringmeen, Queenstown (Cobh). Most of their children were born in Cobh but two born in Kilkenny. I suppose he had a transfer there. They were back in Cobh by 1898 when my Grandfather Thomas was born. I’ll be back in Cobh for August 2009. Anything that sounds familiar? osheamatt@earthlink.net
December 27, 2008 at 4:40 am
I am descended from the John Shea who left Millstreet in Cork on or about 1880 for Boston. His brother Dan ended up in Jerome Arizona, popularly known as “King” Shea during the Copper Mining days. He came via Montana. There seems to be a connection between the Millstreet, Cork Shea’s or O’Shea’s and Jerome AC copper mining.
December 28, 2008 at 10:13 pm
James Shea b. 1829, arrived in Massachusets in 1849 from around Tralee, Kerry. He and his brother, John b.1827, married sisters, Johanna & Julia Gallivan in Cambridge in 1854. James & John’s parents were Daniel Shea and Mary or Catherine Sullivan. The parents of Julia and Johanna were Jeremiah Gallivan & Margaret Doyle. Any connections to these Sheas? I believe they were all from Kerry.
January 2, 2009 at 4:33 am
Hello all! My name is Jeremiah O’ Shea III. My grandfather was from Kerry and married a Hennessy from Limerick. My grandfather dropped the O’ from the name when he moved to Brooklyn NY due to IRA connections. My family has gone by Shea since but we now where we come from..God Bless you all..I’d love to find some relatives!!
January 7, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Hello-As Margaret has posted, the National Archives did finally get the Census of Ireland for 1911 online. http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/ and the great part is Kerry was in the first group of locations posted. I was quickly able to locate my Grandparents, Tim & Margaret O’Shea of Drombohilly, which is west of Kenmare. What’s great about it is the forms were answered directly by the heads of household, and besides the individuals information, is pertinent info on their houses and outlying structures, plus the names of the other families in the townland. Seeing the signature made by my G-fthr, who I never knew, made this searching really worthwhile.
January 16, 2009 at 12:56 am
This is a great website which I am dying to show to my mum. She is in her late seventies now and was one of 18 children born to the O’Shea family in Tralee, Kerry. From that has sprung many O’Sheas many of whom are still in Tralee and I am in contact with (the town is pretty full of O’Sheas). My mother was the youngest in her family and whilst we know what happened to most of her siblings two of her older brothers had already left home for Canada before she arrived. I believe that they were called Thomas and Billy and probably would be in their nineties now if still surviving. So as well as the hundreds of cousins I have already there is a whole branch of the family in Canada that we have no contact with!