Leonards of Limerick
I am seeking information about my relatives, the Leonards of Limerick.Thomas Leonard (1830-1902) was born in Limerick. I think his father's name was Patrick (about 1800-1870). Thomasmarried Catherine Barrett (1840-1921) in 1864, probably at St. Michaels parish in Limerick. These Leonards eventually had 11 children, but I think only 7 survived into adulthood. The Leonard family all emigrated from Ireland to Vermont, USA, starting first in about 1882 with daughter Mary Leonard (1865-1951). Teen Mary left and worked in the household of Middlebury College president Ezra Brainerd and sent money back to help the others reach America. The rest of the family, including my grandmother Kate Leonard (1868-1892) followed in groups ending in about 1888. The other Leonard daughter was named Honora (Nora)(1869-1958). The sons of Thomas/Catherine were Patrick (1862-1940), Thomas (TJ)(1871-1951), David (DJ)(1875-1945), John (1877-1956), and James (1879-1933). They all ended up in Burlington, Vermont. Son Thomas (T.J.) Leonard was ordained a Catholic priest in 1902. Father T.J. Leonard and other family members often traveled back to Ireland several times (I know of trips in 1905, 1910) to visit friends and family in Ireland. I would love to learn more about them, their lives in Ireland, why they left, etc. Thanks for any help. Mike OBrien.
