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Rush and Dowd families

GalwayGlenamaddy (Galway)

Hi

From the birth registration for my grandmother, Honora Rush, I know she was born on 9 June 1882 in Ballyhard. Her father was Patrick Rush, her mother Mary Dowd. I believe her father was born c. 1840 and her grandfather, John Rush, lived from about 1815 to 1879. I believe her mother was the daughter of Thomas Dowd.

Honora married Patrick Tobin in 1911 in Ballymoe. I have their marriage registration.

I have the birth and marriage documents. I also have info from naturalization papers and other United States documents found online.

Any additional information will be very helpful and appreciated.

Frank Drumm

fjdrumm

8 replies

Frank:

I was unable to find any information in the Tithes.

Is this the family in 1901?http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Glenamaddy/Ball…

Mary was shown as married. Was Patrick working somewhere else in 1901?

Is this the family in 1911?

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Galway/Kilcroan/Kilcoo…

Looks like Patrick and Mary both died in 1919?

Roger McDonnell

 

First name(s) Patrick
Last name Rushe
Birth year 1841
Age at death 78
Registered year 1919
Registered quarter/year Jul - Sep 1919
Registration district Glenamaddy
Volume 4
Page 157

 

First name(s) Mary
Last name Rushe
Birth year 1845
Age at death 74
Registered year 1919
Registered quarter/year Jul - Sep 1919
Registration district Glenamaddy
Volume 4
Page 157
Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Thank you, again.

I think the two families in the 1901 and 1911 censuses are different.  For one, they lived in  different communities.  Secondly, Mary is 50 in one, then 10 years later is 70.  Lastly, in 1901 Mary cannot read or write and in 1911 can do both.  Because of all the discrepancies, I think the 1901 is the correct family.  Where my ggf was in 1901 is a mystery!

The death info seems inconsistent with both the 1901 and 1911 census data.  I'm accustomed to age data being incorrect (but close); this data, however, is just about in between.

If I may be any help to you, please let me know.

Frank Drumm

fjdrumm

Frank:

I know they were in two different communities probably 20 kilometers apart. However, the family was not in Ballyhard in 1911. Notice the ages of the two children: Catherine and Thomas from 1901 to 1911.

In general, ages of adults in the 1901 census were understated sometimes significantly. It was not unusual to have age increase 20 years between the two censuses. Age was not that important in 1901. However, in 1908 the Old Age Pension Act was passed in Parliament for Ireland. Basically, individuals who were 70 or older (there was an income limitation) qualified for a pension provided they could substantiate their alleged age. All of a sudden, age became important and adults were more accurate in reporting their age, You will note that the Patrick in 1911 was 71 which corresponds with the year of birth in your note.

Roger

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

 

 

Roger

Thank you for that additional insight.  I believe you are correct about the two censuses and the age discrepancies. The names and ages of the children make all the difference in assessing the value of the document.  Twenty kilometers apart seems far to me, given that people generally stayed in one place, as I understand the demographics.  I rely on information seen from eyes three thousand miles away.  Having some like you, more close to the scene, helps me focus.

Frank

fjdrumm

Frank:

FYI I actually live about 4 hours north of you near Baltimore.

Roger

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Seems like 3000 miles when I drive to BWI!  Love the Eastern Shore tho.

fjdrumm

My maternal grandmother is Margaret Rush from Glenamaddy!

IrelandXO member

Met Seamus Rushe this June, 2025, in Glinsk at an impromptu meeting with Dowde and Tobin relatives.  Had a wonderful time with Michael McLoughlin and his lovely family.  We promised to visit again.  Dominick Tobin was there too.

fjdrumm

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