John Shea b. Nov. 1, 1817 and Margaret Murphy ~1823

Hi Margaret,

I was wondering if you have checked naturalization records for the Sheas in the United States.

I too have Irish ancestors who were miners and settled in Wisconsin. They were Metcalf's.  They came through Canada and first worked in the mines in Chippewa Co, near the Great Lakes before morving to Lafayette Co, WI. I was able to see their naturalization "Declaration of Intention" to become a citizen. 

That is so fortunate that the wonderful Rock House is still standing.

Good luck with your research in Ireland.

Judy Sweets.

Hi Margaret! I am wondering if we might be a distant DNA match; are you on Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA, or Gedmatch? My 2nd great grandfather Jeremiah Joseph McCarthy came from County Kerry. His son's WWI enlistment states his place of birth as Killarney. However, I am also a fairly close match to someone whose roots come from Tuosist and has speculated that he might have been born there. (Indeed, there are some Jeremiah McCarthys from that parish born during that time.) Many of my matches have Shea and Sullivan in their lineage. I would love to be able to confirm his home parish.

Jeremiah was a bit of a scoundrel. He settled in Denver, Colorado, working for a smelter. There is another McCarthy working there at the same time, Florence McCarthy, who might be a relative. That also seems to be a common name in Tuosist.

Peg McCarthy, Topeka, Kansas

 

Hi Judy!  We did find John's naturalization papers.  However we have not found his application/ declaration of intent.  Do you know how I might go about obtaining that?  Thanks so much!  Margaret

Hi Peg!

So glad you messaged me. I think we may be distantly related.  I am on Ancestry.  Are you listed as Margaret McCarthy?  If so I saw your name and many other McCarthy's.  My Uncles Dave Shea, Daniel Shea and my Mother, Karen Shea Smith are also listed on Ancestry.  Let me know if you see them.  Thanks!  Margaret
 

 

Yes, I am on Ancestry; I keep my tree private because of some sensitive information on my mother's side. Most of my Irish ancestry is on my father's. Message me on Ancestry and I will send you a link to see my tree! I found you on FamilyTreeDNA and see that we are indeed a distant match. I will look for those other Sheas as well.

Peg

Margaret,

I think many of the "Declarations of Intention" to become a citizen are in District Counts.  Also, Familysearch.org has some Illinois naturalization records that are indexed. 

 

Judy

 

I'll check that out and thanks so much for the lead Judy!  It is most appreciated!

Margaret