First Ireland Inquiry - Family: KEATING

John Keating (born 13 Jan 1839 in Loughrea, Galway County, Ire.; died 14 Nov 1908 Tarrytown, NY USA), my great grandfather, arrived in the USA in 1864 and promptly joined the Union Army in New York City to fight in the Civil War (North vs South). He left the Army in 1865 and married Hannah Daly (born 1 Apr 1851 or 5 Dec 1834; died 9 Oct 1916 Tarrytown NY, USA), who also came from Ireland (not sure where) on 14 Jan 1866 at St. Teresa's Church in Tarrytown, NY (their place of residence).

Interestingly, on the marriage certificate, there is a mention of a Peter Keating as witness. Even though I do not have any record of a brother or male relative, it is most likely that they were related. This fact may be important to determining Irish descendants.

John and Hannah had three children - my grandfather, William Joseph Keating - born 4 Jun 1866 in the USA - died 6 Dec 1960, my great aunt, Hannah Keating - born 1876; died 13 May 1931 , and my second great aunt, Anna Keating - born 1871; died 18 Dec 1943. The aunts were never mentioned during my years knowing my grandfather and subsequently moved to different New York Boroughs with the New York State (Brooklyn and Staten Island New York).

Hannah Keating nee Daly's parents, James Daly and Mary Nolan were born in Ireland, but I have no record of where in Ireland.

Since John Keating was in the Army, there were pension records that gave me details about his past life. His death certificate mentioned his father, Michael Keating, born in Ireland (no dates on birth or death). In these records, John mentioned that he was born in Loughrea, County Galway, Ireland. I was able to find only one church baptism record that mentioned Michael Keating having a son, John in Tynagh Parish, Loughrea, County Galway. The record provided the marriage date for Michael and his wife, Betty Mannion as 4 May 1837. Two witnesses were Michael Finnegan and Nancy Whyte who names might be important as references.

In one of John's Army pension records he mentions that the last time he saw his father, Michael was in Winneconne, WI - I have no idea why Michael would have been in Wisconsin. In addition, He also mentions in his pension letters that there was an address for his father in Manchester, England - 152 Pollard Street. The building is still standing and has a plaque on it identifying as the "Thompson House 1863." I have not been able to find any details about the location, but I believe that this place may have been a stopping off place before making the crossing over to the U.S.

My goal is to verify the Keating family connection and identify other siblings who may have been born to Michael and Betty Keating in Loughrea, Ire. Also, I would like to verify the Family lineage with the Daly, Nolan, and Mannion families.

Any details shedding light on my family history would be greatly appreciated.