O'Connell and Murphy

Hoping the IrelandXO community can help me with my search for the place of origin of my 3X great-grandparents: William O'Connell (abt 1769-abt 1841) and Catherine Murphy (abt 1782-21 Dec 1832 in Whitefield, Maine)

William O'Connell was born about 1769 according to his application for US citizenship. I found a ship record the appears to be his family arriving in Boston, MA in July-Sept 1824. The family included William (60), his wife Catherine (50) and children John (26), Catherine (19), W (18 - believed to be son William). Wife Catherine's notation said "Catherine and children" so we assume this was a child/children under the age of 18. The citizenship application and Catherine's burial record say they were from County Cork.

It is known that one possible under 18 year old child was Mary Ellen, born about 1814. Mary Ellen joined the Sisters of Charity (Sister Anthony) and became quite famous in the US for her nursing wounded soldiers in the US Civil War for which she was dubbed "The Irish-American Florence Nightengale" and the "Angel of the Battlefield". I have several stories about her including one from Limerick Life and they all say she was from Limerick. However, I have contacted the Sisters of Charity archivist who was quite helpful and told me very little is actually known about her early life.

Interesting that her parents were from County Cork and other claim she was from County Limerick! A relative in County Monaghan told me about Charleville and a neighboring parish that cross county borders. So far my research shows a number of O'Connells in Charleville and at least one Murphy. Before I painstakingly go through the Charleville church records (ugh - handwritten and in Latin!) I thought I'd ask the IrelandXO folks if they had any insights or information.

Any advice/information appreciated!

Thank you, Kathleen Foley - Northfield, MN, USA