James Dowd

BIRTH

James Dowd was born about 1812 in Ireland, and probably in Ballyduff Civil Parish in Castlegregory Catholic Parish in County Kerry, Ireland. The diocese was Ardfert and Aghahoe (Kerry). The Townland was probably Kilmore since a Griffith's Valuation reported his residence there at a later date. His Irish-born parents were James Dowd and Kate Connor according to his death record.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

He married Honora Dowd (not a relative) about 1841 in his hometown. James was a Laborer. He owned a house. He leased 16 acres of land for his family in Kilmore Townland. James and Honora had fourteen children during their marriage according to a family biography. Two of the children, James born 1847, and Margaret (Bridget's twin) born 1852, died in infancy. Three of the children married (Mary, Catherine, and Ellen), and settled in the Dingle Peninsula.

IMMIGRATION

For unknown reasons, James and his wife, Honora, immigrated to the USA. James emigrated from Ireland with Thomas, his eldest son, in 1862 (according to his son's 1900 Census report). In 1864 his wife brought from Ireland sons and daughters who settled in the USA. Since their residence in 1865 was near Canada in New York State, James and Honora probably traveled by ships that arrived in the Port Quebec, lived in New York State briefly, and then moved to Massachusetts. It was reported that many residents of Castlegregory who emigrated to the USA often settled in Massachusetts.

DEATH

James Dowd died of Pneumonia on September 29, 1879, at the age of 67.

BURIAL

James Dowd was buried in the St Jerome Cemetery in Holyoke, Massachusetts at a gravesite with his wife, Honora Dowd. Several of their children were also buried there. Those buried at St Jerome were members of surrounding Roman Catholic churches.