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Catherine O'Brien (Brien) Grady

GalwayCaltra (Galway)

Does anyone know if there were "assisted emigration" programs/schemes in the area of Caltra Parish, Co. Galway, during the famine years? My GG grandmoter, Catherine Grady, came to USAprior toMarch, 1853 leaving behind in Ireland a husband, John Grady and three children (Mary, Bernard and Bridget.) Bridget Grady was the youngest; she was my great grandmother. Family stories indicate Catherine sent money back to the RC priest for the family to get to New Orleans LA.John Grady and thethree children arrivedat the port ofNew Orleans in March 1853 on theGulnare from Liverpool. Bridget was listed on passenger list as infant 2 years old.Bridget's age might be wrong but I don't think Catherine could have left Galway before1849/50. Catherine'a 1889 obit in New Orleansnewspaper showed she was resident of N.O. for 40 yearsand was native of "Calthra" parish, county Galway.

I find it difficult to believeCatherine came alone without some type of employment (domestic servant?)already waiting for herin USA.Ihave been unable to find a passenger list for any North American portfor her. I have read about assisted emigration andwonder ifCatherine might have been involved in this type of scheme. Are there online researchresources for assisted emigration participants? Thanks for any info anyone is able to provide.

Mary McAuliffe

3mermaids

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Mary:

Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!

I searched Roots Ireland from 1845-1855 for baptismal records for Grady children with father John and no records were located in Caltra RC parish. Here is the register for the parish (shown as Ahascragh/Killosolan). I also could not find the marriage record.

I can't specifically answer your question about emigration schemes from that area of Galway. However, it seems to me that the whole family would have left at the same time if there was an organized effort. Maybe Catherine had a relative in the New Orleans area and it was decided that she should leave and send back money. Normally the husband would have left first.

Let me know if you have questions.

Roger McDonnell

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

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