Patrick Cooney

Patrick was born in Ireland, possibly Cork, in 1816 approx. However, by 1856 he had left Ireland, as had so many others and was marrying Honora O' Hanlon in Maidstone on March 23rd 1856. His father was also Patrick Cooney, a farmer. Patrick jnr classed himself as a "hawker". He was able to sign his name on the certificate, so had received some education. We then know that he found employment on the new railway line reaching to Marden, Kent. Within 7 months of their maariage a baby was born, Patrick. However, in the 1861 census there were 4 children listed. Patrick and John , but also two older children who were born before their marriage: Martin and Hana. Perhaps these were children from a prior marriage. They were housed in the railway cottages in Marden. My great great grandfather William was born in 1862. His father died in 1864. Honora seems to be known as Hana or even Annie. In 1885 an Annie Cooney dies at the nearby Marden workhouse, I wonde if it could be her. The children have flown the nest.