The O?Conaill name, literally translated as "friendship," is one of the twenty-five (25) most common in Ireland. O?Connell is the Anglicized version of the name. The family arms is a stag trippant between three trefoils countercharged. The crest is a stag?s head erased, charged with a trefoil. The motto in Gaelic is Cial agus neart, which means "Wisdom and Strength". This genealogy is based on the pedigree submitted by Count Daniel O?Connell to the Heralds of King Louis XVI of France and can not now be authenticated beyond the 17th century.

Main Genealogy from Ancient times

In early mediaeval times, there were several unrelated septs of O'Connell; those of Ulster and Connact are seldom heard of even as late as the fourteenth century. O'Dugan (d. 1372) in the "Topographical Poems" mentions O?Conaill as a family of Oirghiall and another, again, as of Ui Maine. The name does not appear in the Four Masters after 1117 when the death of Cathasach O'Conaill, "noble Bishop of Connacht," is recorded. Another of the name, Bishop of Thomond (Killaloe) is mentioned in the "Annals of Innisfallen" under date 927 A.D.; but if this be a true surname it is one of the earlier examples. The "Annals of Connacht" have no reference to the name.

This Kerry family can trace their decendency from Conaill Gabhra "Conaill of the Swift Horses", the king of Munster in 355 A.D. Conaill was in the line of Daire Caerb. Daire Caerb was brother to Lughaidh ? No. 88 in the line of Heber, the son of King Milisieus - and son of Oilioll Flann-beag. Daire Caerb had five sons including Fiacha and Fiachra - the ancestors to the O?Donovan family. Fiacha had two sons Brian and Caibre ? ancestors to the Ua Cairbre or O?Carberry. Brian had a son Daire, and Daire had a son Fionnliath. Fionnliath had a son Conaill and Conall son Ua Conaill or Connell. The descendants of Conaill inhabited Upper and Lower Conello in Co. Tiperrary.

In 1178, the O'Connells as well as the Harrington, Collins, and O'Donovan clans were expelled from Conello, Co. Limerick by Donald Mor O'Brien of Thomond. These families migrated south to Co. Kerry and Cork. The O'Connells possessed the lordship of Magh o goinin, or the Barony of Magunihy, in East Kerry. The chief of the clan resided in Aghadoe. According to legend, "The O?Connell?s of slender swords, dwelt in the bushy forts betwixt the Laune and the Maine."

The earliest known chief of the O?Connell clan was Aodh (Hugh) O?Connell living in 1337. He had two children Aodh (Hugh) and Shela who were living in 1341. Aodh, the son of the first chief, married Margaret O?Brien daughter of Mahon Moenmoy O?Brien, prince of Thomond. Shela married John O?Mahony Mergagh, of Desmond. Hugh and Margaret had a son Geoffrey, living in 1393, who married Catherine O?Connor-Kerry. They had a son Donal (Daniel) Fitzgeofferey O?Connell, living in 1421, who married Honoria O?Sullivan-Beare.

During the Norman invasion, the Fitzgerald family pressured by the powerful O?Donoghue family towards the Atlantic coast thereby displacing the O?Connells farther west. Their retreat led them to the peninsula of Iveragh, where the O?Connells became hereditary castellans of Ballycarbery under the MacCarthy Mor chiefs.

The lineage continued with Sir Aodh (Hugh), living in 1436, son of Donal and Honoria O?Connell. He married Mary Mc Carthy-Mor daughter of Donal Mc Carthy-Mor. Hugh was knighted Sir Richard Nugent, Lord Deputy of Ireland. They had a son Maurice who married Juliana O?Sullivan-Mor daughter of Rory O?Sullivan-Mor. They had a son Morgan who married Elisabeth O?Donovan daughter of the chief of clan Cathail in Carberry. They had a son Hugh who married Mora daughter of Sir Tadg O?Brien of Baille-na-Carriga, County, Clare. They had a son Morgan of Ballycarbery who was named the High Sheriff of Kerry. Morgan married Helena daughter of Donal Mc Carthy. They had a son Richard who married Johanna daughter of Ceallaghan Mc Carthy. Richard surrendered the castle in Ballycarbery to the English. Richard and Johanna had a son Maurice. Maurice, who also was named High Sheriff of Kerry, married Margaret O?Callaghan daughter of Conchobhar (Conor) O?Callaghan. They had two sons Richard who became the Bishop of Ardfert, and Geoffrey, who carried the title High Sheriff of Kerry. Geoffrey, who died on 25 April 1639, married Honoria daughter of "The Mc Crohan" Lettercastle. Geoffrey and Honora had five sons Maurice of Caherbarnagh near Waterville, Daniel Mac Geoffrey of Ahavore, Peter of Claghanmacquin, John of Ashtown, and Charles of Ballymacleragh.

O?Connells of Brentree, Co. Clare and Ashtown, Co. Dublin

The disasters of the seventeenth century forced the chief family to County Clare. According to the book of Forfeitures and Distributions of 1656, Maurice O?Connell of Caherbearnagh is given as late proprietor of eighteen estates. All estates were given up, except Inishlishmulty and Drumlahort. Maurice?s younger brother, John of Ashtown, Dublin, was a friend and agent of the Duke of Ormonde. Through the Duke?s influence, the O?Connells managed to submit to Henry Cromwell that the heads of the family were to old, too young, or too sick, to have taken part in the Stuart War of 1656. A decree was given that Maurice of Caherbearnagh and his grandson Maurice were to be granted fifteen ploughshares, as long as he move to Brentree, County Clare and renounce all their property in County Kerry. Maurice is reported to have died while in route to Co. Clare.

Maurice had one son Geoffrey of Brentree, Co. Clare who had two sons Maurice and John, and a daughter Catherine. Maurice became a Brigadier General in the Army of King James II. Maurice married Catherine, daughter of Sir William Langton, and possesses land in Keenagh, BallyMcZorin, Skylarig, Bralrig, Drumikeare, Kanburn, Ballynaglerig, Ballynehaw, and Caherlearig all in the Barony of Iveragh. Maurice and Catherine had a son Richard also known as "Lame Rick". Richard eventually became impoverished in London. John, the son of Daniel Mac

Geoffrey, became Lieutenant of the Foot Guards in the Army of King James II, and died at the Siege of Derry in 1689.

After the chief and his main decedents moved to Co. Clare, another grandson of Maurice, Geoffrey was allowed to stay in Ballinahow in the Parish of Killemlagh. Maurice, the eldest son of Geoffrey, was able to reclaim his family?s former land in Dunmaniheen in Parish Killorglin. Unfortunately, the O?Connells of Brentree and Ashtown eventually died without heirs.

O?Connells of Ahavore

Daniel McGeoffrey, son of Geoffrey and Honora, married Alice, daughter of Chistopher Seagrave, Mayor of Dublin. Daniel and Alice had two sons John of Loher and Derrynane, and Maurice of Dunmaniheen.

O?Connells of Dunmaniheen

Maurice, son of Daniel McGeoffrey, married Ellen, daughter of Colonel Callaghan O?Callaghan of Banteer, Co. Cork. Maurice was succeeded by his son, Geoffrey, who was called "Shera na mbo mor" or in English "of the vast herds." He settled in Emlaghnore in Iveragh and died in 1722, at the age of 38 years. Geoffrey had three sons Maurice of Emlaghmore near Waterville, Rev. Morgan DD parish priest of Dingle and then of Killarney, and Charles of Maghre, Co. Clare.

O?Connells of Tralee

Maurice, the son of Geoffrey "Shera na mbo mor", married Jane Hurley, the daughter of Thomas Blennerhassett. Maurice and Jane had three sons Richard of Mount Rivers, Killorgin, Burgess of Tralee, Thomas M.D. of Rathkeale, Co. Limerick and Tralee, and Edward of Tralee.

Thomas M.D. married UNKNOWN Jefcot and had three children, and then married Ellen, daughter of Edward Tuohy. Thomas would have three sons Edward, Richard and Maurice, and five daughters Mary, Catherine, Anne Helena, Elizabeth, and UNKNOWN. Edward was a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. Richard was a Lieutenant in the 89th Regiment and a Captain in the 84th Regiment, and married Elizabeth, daughter of David Tuohy. Richard had three sons, Thomas, clerk of the Tralee Union, Richard and Daniel, and two daughters Maryanne and UNKNOWN. Maurice would marry UNKNOWN Playne, and then Mary, the daughter of James Mountain Mohoney. Maurice would have two sons Thomas "The Banker", and James who died at a young age. Maurice had two daughters Ellen and Elizabeth. Mary, the Daughter of Thomas M.D., would marry Daniel "The Liberator" O?Connell of Derrynane.

Edward would marry the Daughter of William Murphy and had three sons Daniel "Splinter" of Tralee, John who was a Lieutenant 43rd Regiment, and Richard M.D.

O?Connells of Derrynane Abbey

While the senior branches of the O?Connell clan led a modest life in Tralee, another branch led a prosperous life in Derrynane. Mountains on the East and the ocean on the West isolate the Iveragh peninsula, where Derrynane is located. These areas, as well as other western seaboard areas like Dingle, were often called "Hidden Ireland." Many of the old Gaelic traditions were still practiced there although the rest of Ireland was forbidden to practice these traditions. This also was a prime area for smuggling of which the O?Connells were engaged. Wine, brandy, velvets, and other commodities were imported from the continent without passing by the gauger (i.e. Customs official). Many of the O?Connell?s who left the island for the continental schools or armies served to help the family business.

John, the son of Daniel and Alice, were the first of the Derrynane branch settling there shortly after 1700. His mother, Alice Seagrave, was the daughter of a wealthy family Cabra in Dublin. John was brought up in a cultured home amidst the depths of Kerry. John married Elizabeth Conway, daughter of Christopher Conway of Cloghane near Tralee. Christopher was related to Lord Conway, the first of the name in Ireland. John was a Captain in the Army of King James II. There was tight knit web of cousins within the sophisticated society of South Kerry. John and Elizabeth would have two sons Donal Mor, Daniel, Maurice of Tarmons, Waterville, and Geoffrey Octave, a Roman Catholic priest, and five daughters Anne, Clare, Elizabeth, Alice and UNKNOWN.

Maurice of Tarmons, Waterville, married Mary O'Sullivan-Beare of Berehaven, Co. Cork. They had three sons Daniel of Tarmons, known as Teig ns Stiall (or "Of the Stallions"), Geoffrey of BallybrackLodge, Waterville, and Murcheartach, known as Morty, and three daughters Marry Anne, Honoria. Murcheartach was named Baron Moritz O'Connell a Kerry exile who, as well as being chamberlain to three emperors, served with military distinction on the continent.

Donal Mor, Daniel, became the heir of Derrynane and married Maire Ni Dhubibh - Mary O?Donoghue - the daughter of the prince of Glenfisk. Daniel and Mary would have 22 children including John, Maurice, Morgan of Carhen, Cahirciveen, Connell who was lost at sea, Count Daniel Charles, Elizabeth, Alice, Honora, Joan, Mary, Eileen, Abigail, and Anne Nancy.

John married Mary, daughter of John Falvey of Faha, Killarney. They had one daughter Abigail who married James Gould of Clonakilty.

Maurice, also known as "Hunting Cap", was the heir of Derrynane. Maurice married Mary Cantillion but had no children. Derrynane was left to Maurice nephew Daniel "the Liberator" O?Connell M.P. son of Morgan.

Count Daniel Charles, the fifth son of Donal Mor and Mary, entered the French Service commonly known as the "Wild Geese". He would eventually be called "the last colonel of the Irish Brigade," by his biographer, Mrs. M. J. O'Connell. He entered the French Service in the regiment the Royal Regiment of Swedes where he attained the rank of Major. He was then appointed to Clare's Regiment of the Irish Brigade. He was later re-appointed as Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Swedes where he distinguished himself at the siege and capture of Port Mahon in 1779. He received thanks and recommendation for promotion from the Minster of War who elevated him to the rank of Colonel. Soon after, his regiment was sent with the rest of the French troops to capture Gibraltar on the 13 September 1782 where he was severely wounded. In France, he inducted in the Order of St. Louis, a title of nobility, but he had to flee France due to the Revolution. Upon returning to England, he was appointed as Colonel of the 4th Regiment of the Irish Brigade.

Morgan of Caher, Cahirciveen, ran a general store, farmer and landlord. He married Catherine, the daughter of John O'Mullane, Whitechurch, Mallow, Co. Cork. Morgan and Catherine had four sons Daniel "the Liberator", Maurice Morgan, John of Grenagh, and Sir James of Lakeview, and six daughters Mary, Honora, Ellen, Bridgett, Alicia, and Catherine.

Maurice Morgan served in the Irish Brigade under his Uncle Count Daniel Charles O'Connell. John of Grenagh married Elizabeth Coppinger the daughter of William Coppinger, of Ballyvolane and Ballyscourt, Co. Cork. Daniel "the Liberator" married Mary O'Connell of the Tralee branch mentioned above. He inherited Derrynane Abbey from his Uncle Maurice "Hunting Cap" O'Connell. He had six sons Maurice, Morgan, Edward, John, Daniel Stephen, Daniel, and five daughters Ellen, Catherine "Saucy Kate", Elizabeth Mary "Betsy", Mary and Richarda.

Daniel "the Liberator" O'Connell's Family Tree

Daniel "the Liberator" O'Connell m. Mary O'Connell of Tralee

.....1 Maurice O'Connell m. Mary Francis Bindon Scoot

..........2 Daniel O'Connell m. Isabella Ellen Lawlor

...............3 Isabella Mary O'Connell

...............3 Kathleen O'Connell

...............3 Margaret Gertrude O'Connell

...............3 Eily Mary O'Connell

...............3 Frances Mary O'Connell

..........2 John Maurice O'Connell m. Mary McCarthy

...............3 Daniel Maurice O'Connell

...............3 Maurice Charles m. Emily O'Connell (of Milford Co. Cork)

....................4 Rev. John Maurice O'Connell

....................4 Daniel O'Connell

....................4 Maurice Richard O'Connell

....................4 Geoffrey O'Connell

....................4 Richarda O'Connell

..............3 Anna O'Connell m Alfred Kingsley

..............3 Mary O'Connell m Martyn Hooke

..............3 Kathleen O'Connell

..............3 Jane O'Connell m Timothy O'Mahony

..............3 Eileen O'Connell m Peter O'Rahilly

..........2 Fanny O'Connell

..........2 Mary O'Connell m. Daniel McCarthy

.....1 Morgan O'Connell m. Kate Mary Balf

.....1 Edward O'Connell

.....1 John O'Connell m. Elizabeth Ryan

..........2 Daniel John O'Connell

..........2 John O'Connell m. Mary Baldwin

..............3 John Henry O'Connell MD m. Mary Burke

...................4 John O'Connell

...................4 Donal (Brother Brendan, Marist Order) O'Connell

...................4 Morgan O'Connell

...................4 Hubert O'Connell m. Constance Williams

...................4 Margaretta O'Connell

...................4 Sheila O'Connell m. Major W. Hugh Harold

...................4 Nora O'Connell

..............3 Daniel John O'Connell (Seattle, WA USA) m. Elizabeth Leyne

..............3 Henry O'Connell

..............3 Margaret Mary O'Connell

..........2 Morgan John Joseph O'Connell

..........2 Elizabeth O'Connell m. James Sullivan

..........2 Mary O'Connell m. Andrew Nugent Comyn

..........2 Kathleen O'Connell m. Major Michael Joseph Balfe

.....1 Daniel Stephen O'Connell

.....1 Daniel O'Connell MP m. Ellen Mary Foster

.........2 Daniel John foster O'Connell

.........2 Maurice Francis Donal Benedict O'Connell

.........2 Geoffrey Owen Morgan O'Connell

.........2 Morgan McFarlane Francis Xavier O'Connell m. Kate Melcombe

..............3 Daniel Morgan O'Connell m. Phyliss Pinell

..............3 Maurice Cecil O'Connell m. Betty Farmer

..............3 Maureen O'Connell

..............3 Joan O'Connell

.........2 Edmund John Day O'Connell m. Helena Warburton

..............3 Norah O'Connell

..............3 Patricia O'Connell

..............3 Betty O'Connell

.........2 James O'Connell (an actor)

.........2 Eily Mary Foster O'Connell

.........2 Mary Kathleen Elisabeth O'Connell

.........2 Dorothy Margaret Mary O'Connell

.........2 Katherine O'Connell

.....1 Ellen O'Connell m. Christopher FitzSimmons

.....1 Catherine "Saucy Kate" O'Connell m. Charles O'Connell (of Ballybloun)

.....1 Elizabeth Mary "Betsy" O'Connell m. Nicholas Joseph French

.....1 Mary O'Connell

.....1 Rickarda O'Connell

Other notable O'Connells

The earliest is the Capuchin Father Robert O'Connell (c. 1621-1678). The first O'Connell to become a figure of national importance was One O'Connell from Co. Clare merits a place in the national roll of honor, Peter O'Connell (1775-1826) - described by Prof. T. F. O'Rahilly as "the best Irish scholar in the Ireland of a century ago." Many O'Connell scholars and clerics have been somewhat eclipsed by the soldiers and politicians. Father Daniel O'Connell, a kinsman of the "Liberator" and a Jesuit, is recognized internationally as an astronomer and seismologist.

O?Connells of Co. Cork

In addition to the genealogy of O?Connell family from Kerry, there is an alternate genealogy for the O?Connell families from Cork. Although, most O?Connells from Co. Cork can trace their heritage to the genealogy above, there was another Conaill in the line of Corc son of Luighad son of Oilill Flann Beag. This genealogy, however, has not been published.

O?Connells of Tuath na Dromun

Tuath na Dromun (also spelled toughnadromun and tognadromun) literally translates as the people (or district) of the ridge referring to the ridge above the Lee river where this area is located. Tuath na Dromun was an ancient Celtic area and Druid stronghold. It currently covers the parishes of Ballyvourney, Killnamartyr, and Clondrohid. This area lies 10 kilometers west of Killarney in county Cork and few kilometers east of Macroom along the Cork ? Killarney road. During 836, the Danes plundered Tuath na Dromun.

Tuath na Dromun centers on the Church of St. Lachtain, which dates back to the 6th century. After St. Lachtain?s death his hand was preserved since it supposedly had healing powers. For centuries afterwards, people came from long distances to be healed by St. Lachtain?s hand. Eventually, the church was destroyed in order to discourage pilgrimages and a new church was built called Cill na Martyr or church of the relic. This is where the current parish of Kilnamartyra receives its name.

There is a group of O?Connells from this area of Co. Cork that immigrated to the United States during the famine period. One of these O?Connells, Daniel O?Connell (b. 1838), was last heard from in Kilbourn, Wisconsin where my family settled. However, I have not been able to link my family with this group, although there is a possible connection. According to family stories, there is

another brother to Timothy, Morris and James O?Connell, who settled in the Dells area, named Daniel. I believe the Daniel noted above could have been the missing brother. Among these three brothers, there are discrepancies whether they are from Co. Kerry or Co. Cork. Since this area is along the Kerry ? Cork border, they could have claimed they were in either county depending on where they lived. Furthermore, related families, the Tangneys and Bresnahans, have traced

their ancestors to Killarney Parish that is also near this area.

This group includes a Hannah Connell who lived in Boston in 1859. She placed an advertisement in the Boston Pilot looking for two people. The first was Daniel Connell; aged 21 years that puts his date of birth in 1838, and the son of Jeremiah Connell of parish Toughnadromun. He was last heard from in Kilbourn Wisconsin in March 1858.

John O?Connell of Jersey City, New Jersey placed another advertisement looking for his cousins Timothy, William and Mary O?Connell. They were natives of Kilmichael parish, which is just south of Tuath na Dromun over the Lee river. Their mother was of the woods of that parish, and their father was of the O?Connells of Toughnadromun. Mary was a housekeeper to John Miner of Bailee, parish of Macroom, Co. Cork, and she was married to Con (usually short for Cornelius) Murphy. They were last heard from in Toronto, Canada.

Another person form this branch is Daniel O?Connell born 21 December 1802 near the village of Macroom. He was the eldest son of William and Lucy (or Sheila) O'Connell. It is reported that William O'Connell's mother was a distant relative of the O'Connell's of Derrynane and cared for Daniel "the Liberator" O'Connell's children. Daniel immigrated to the United States in October of 1851 and settled near Detroit, Michigan. He died in 1906 and his headstone notes that he is from Tognadromun.

O?Connells of the Dells (Adams County, Wisconsin)

The earliest related O?Connells that arrived in the United States include five that settled in Adams County Wisconsin near the City of Kilbourn also known as the Wisconsin Dells area. These families include Michael (b. 1802), Patrick (b.1804), Maurice (b. 1821), Timothy (b. 1826) and James (b. 1827). I believe that Maurice, Timothy and James are brothers, and Patrick is their first cousin. Michael is not a brother to Patrick and probably not to Maurice, Timothy and James either. His relationship is probably through his wife who is a sister to Timothy?s wife.

Another O?Connell family, which is not directly related, lived in Sauk county southwest of Kilbourn City. John O?Connell was born on 13 December 1823 on Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland. His parents were Lawrence O?Connell and Hannah Prindiville. John (b. 1823) immigrated to the United States in 1847 and purchased a farm north of Baraboo, Sauk County, Wisconsin in 1855. He was one of the original parishioners of St. Joseph parish in Baraboo.

John (b. 1823) was first married to Ellen Shay in Battleboro, Vermont on July 14, 1850. They had three children Anna, William Francis, and Ellen. Ellen Shay O?Connell died on January 14, 1862. John (b. 1823) married for a second time to Mary Ann Hackedt from Juneau County, who was the widow of John McCauley. William Francis (b. Jan 1854) married Ellen Holton of Dellona township on 24 February 1879. They moved to Malta, Montana where they settled.

In Marquette County, Wisconsin north of Adams County, three O?Connell brother?s lived: William O'Connell b.1852 in County Cork Ireland; Patrick O'Connell b. 8 Sept 1824 in County Cork, Ireland; Michael O'Connell b. 1828. They may be related to the O?Connells of Adams County, but there is no evidence to support the relationship.

William (b. 1852) married Ellen and they had seven children in Marquette Co., WI: Mary, Martin, Nell, DE, William L., D.L., and Catherine "Kate" O'Connell. Patrick married Ellen Reardon about 1851 in Herkimer Co., New York, and they had five children: Martin, Mary, Hannah, Ellen, and William (b. Nov 1859 in Buffalo Township, Marquette, WI). Michael O'Connell married Eliza and they had four children: Mary, John, Patrick, and Dennis.

The story of the Adams County group is that they emigrated from Ireland probably through the port near Tralee and landed in Boston around 1851 with several related families including the Shahan, Bresnahan, Tangney, Prindable, Costellos, and Sullivans. At this time, Chauncey Rose, a railroad magnate from Terre Haute, Indiana, sent a representative to Boston to buy two railroad engines and hire Irish laborers. He was building a railroad between Richmond, Indianapolis and Terre Haute Indiana. This group of immigrates were hired by Chauncey Rose?s agent and transported the new engines west through the state of New York where they boarded a barge at Buffalo. They road the barge south into a river and canals of Ohio. In Ohio, the group split into two. One group went to Cincinnati to start the eastern leg of the railroad, and the other group, which included our ancestors, went to Terre Haute to start the western leg of the railroad. This line eventually broke into two separate companies the Terre Haute Indianapolis and the Indiana Central.

The Terre Haute group built the railroad up to Indianapolis. During this time, they settled near Greencastle, Putnam Co., Indiana. Several members of this group were married and started families. However, this was not their final destination. Greencastle served as a junction between the Terre Haute ? Indianapolis Railroad and the Louisville, Indianapolis, and Chicago Railroad, commonly known as the Monon line. The Monon line traveled north of Greencastle and split into two legs one going towards Chicago and one going towards Michigan City. I am unsure if this group worked on or just traveled on the Monon line, but they did eventually travel north to Chicago and ultimately Milwaukee.

In Milwaukee, Bryon Kilbourn the city?s former mayor and railroad magnate had just been named president of a small railroad called the Milwaukee - Watertown line. The Terre Haute group was hired to work on this line. The line was extended to go all the way to LaCrosse, and re-chartered the Milwaukee - LaCrosse Railroad. The next destination after Watertown was Portage in Columbia, County. From Portage, the line extended west to the Wisconsin River in the township of Newport the western most part of Columbia County. The construction of this line was temporarily halted until they built a bridge over the Wisconsin River approximately 10 miles west of Portage in Newport. The residents of this area formed a town called Kilbourn City after Bryon Kilbourn the president of the Milwaukee - LaCrosse line. Some of the Irish work gangs did not continue with the railroad. Instead, they settled in New Haven and Dell Prarie townships in Adams County Wisconsin approximately 5 miles north of Kilbourn City. The area around Kilbourn City was more commonly referred to as the Dells, and currently called Wisconsin Dells. The name is derived from the beautiful rock formations, called Dalles in French, which lined the river at this point.

The closest parish to O?Connells was St. Cecilia in Kilbourn City first organized in 1859. The first structure was a wooden building. By 1903, the old wooden building was outgrown and a brick structure was built. In 1907, Rev. Nicholas Hanert took charge with 100 families in residence.

During this migration from Tralee to the Dells, several from the group were lost. There were five O?Connell brothers who emigrated together but only three settled in the Dells. One was reported to have stayed in Indiana, another went to Baltimore, and they were never heard from again. There are several O?Connell, Tangney, Bresnahan, and Sullivans in the Cincinnati area who are most likely related to the Terre Haute group. While Timothy (b. 1826) and Mary Shahan (b. 1829) O?Connell resided near Greencastle Indiana, they were married (probably at St. John?s in Indianapolis) and had two children Catherine born in 1852, and Daniel born approximately 1855.

The earliest ancestor of the O?Connell family, of which I am related, is Timothy O?Connell born in County Kerry, Ireland in 1826, and he married Mary Shahan (b. 1829) in 1852. Upon arriving in the Dells, Timothy bought a farm in Section 21 of New Haven Township. Timothy (b. 1826) and Mary (b. 1835) would have six more children. Mary Ann born 3 April 1857, Timothy born approximately 1861, Thomas born approximately 1863, Josephine born approximately 1865, Ellen "Nellie" born approximately 1867, and Michael born approximately 1869.

According to family stories, Timothy (b. 1826) was drafted into the Union Army and fought in the Civil War. Catherine (b. 1852), who was approximately 9 years old at the time, recalls that a man came to the door and took her father away. Timothy?s other daughter Mary (b. 1835) remarked that she could have killed the man who took her father away. He served with the 51st Wisconsin Infantry from Milwaukee but was never mobilized into action. A few months after he was drafted the Civil War ended and he returned home. Upon his return, he resumed farming until he contracted tuberculoses in 1877. Timothy (b. 1826) died on 19 March 1877. Within a few years after Timothy?s death, the family farm was sold to the Gaffney family who owns it to this day.

Patrick O?Connell, a first cousin to Timothy (b. 1826), also settled in the Kilbourn City area. Patrick was born in County Cork Ireland in 1802 the son of Daniel O?Connell. He emigrated in 1856 and was not part of the migration through Indiana. Upon arriving in the Dells, he settled a large parcel of property in Dell Prarie. He attempted to acquire the property but thought that $1,000 was too much to be in debt so he acquired a smaller parcel. In 1861, Patrick bought forty-six and a half acres in Dell Prairie Township, Adams County that was owned by the family until the 1980?s. Patrick would marry Bridgett Glavin. They had nine children including Mary (b. 1853), Bridget (b. 1857), Daniel (b. 1864), Michael (b. 1867), Agnes (b. 1868), John (b. 1869), Hattie (b. AFT 1870), Catherine (b. AFT 1870), and a child who died at birth.

Maurice O?Connell (the named is also spelled Morris) was born in 1828 in County Cork Ireland. Although he was born in County Cork, I believe him to be a brother to Timothy O?Connell (b.1826) born in County Kerry. Maurice was born to well-to-do parents. He was part of the group that migrated through Indiana where he meets and marries Ellen Tangney. Ellen was born in County Kerry. They had eight children including Catherine born 1856, Timothy born 1858, Mary Ann born 11 December 1860 in Dell Prarie, Elizabeth born 1864 in Dell Prarie, David born 1866, James Patrick born 28 April 1868 in Dell Prarie, Margaret born 1872 in Dell Prarie, and Daniel born 1879 in Dell Prarie. Morris served with his brother Timothy (b. 1826) in the 51st Wisconsin Infantry. He died the 28 August 1895 and buried in Calvary Cemetery, Kilbourn, Wisconsin.

James O?Connell was born in 1827 in County Cork. I believe he is the third brother of Timothy and Morris who settled in Adams County Wisconsin. He married a Bridgett Clark and had three children Timothy born 1863, Catherine born 1865, and Mary (also called Marietta) born 1867. James, upon arriving in the Dells, lived on property purchased by and adjacent to his brother Morris. Bridgett would pass away in the Dells and buried in Calvary Cemetery. James moved to Ward Indiana with his daughter Marietta. He died in Indiana and buried in the Catholic cemetery in Lebanon, Indiana.

Michael O?Connell was born in 1800 in Ireland. His parents were J. O?Connell and Honora Manning. I do not believe that he is a brother to Timothy, Morris and James because he is over twenty years older than they are, and he is buried in a different section of Calvary Cemetery. The families of the three brothers are all buried to together in Calvary Cemetery in Wisconsin Dells. Although this family is probably related through the Shahan family. Michael (b. 1800) married Ellen Shahan (b. 1826). Ellen is probably a sister to Mary Shahan (b. 1829) who married Timothy O?Connell (b. 1826). Furthermore, his parents are different from Patrick (b. 1802), therefore he is probably not directly related to Patrick (b. 1802). Two of his children were born in Indiana, which indicates that he was part of the Indiana migration. Michael and Ellen had four children including Timothy born 1849, Patrick born 1851, Catherine born 1852, and Daniel born 1853.

Second Generation: O?Connells of the Dells

Catherine (b. 1852), daughter of Timothy (b. 1826), was never married. She inherited property from her grandfather Timothy Shahan at 1023 Bowman street in the town of Kilbourn City and lived there until her death in 1940. Although, she never married, she helps raise her niece Stella Hayes who eventually inherited the same property and lived there with her husband Stanley Leo Gavinski.

Daniel (b. 1855), the son of Timothy (b. 1826), would marry Anna Thorensen (b. 1858). They had one child Timothy James O?Connell born 10 October 1879. Daniel (b. 1855) would buy his own farm in Section 9 of New Haven Township. Soon after Timothy (b. 1879) was born, Anna (b. 1858) passed away in 1880 and is interned at Calvary Cemetery in Kilbourn. Daniel (b. 1855) would remarry to Margaret Berg from Sherry Wisconsin near Stevens Point. Margaret was the widow of Elmer Berg and had two children Elmer Berg Jr. and Edna Berg Fosterling. Tragedy would hit the O?Connell family when Daniel (b. 1855) took his own life on April 3, 1905, on his farm. The newspaper account did not speculate why he took his life except the family is quoted as they thought he was deranged.

Mary Ann (b. 1857) would marry James Hayes of Dellona, Sauk County, Wisconsin. Josephine was also married, but moved to North Dakota where she died.

Timothy (b. 1861) married Annie UNKNOWN (born April 20, 1866). They had one child James W. O?Connell who was born September 25, 1889. The following month Annie died on October 21, 1899, and the following year James (b. 1889) died on January 20, 1899. Timothy would remarry to Mary Cooper from Dublin, Ireland on October 29, 1904. Timothy (b. 1861) died in 1925 and is buried next to his sister Catherine in Calvary Cemetery, Kilbourn City, and Wisconsin.

Ellen (b. 1867) married a man with the surname of Bauer. She died on December 23, 1908. Michael (b. 1869) married Mary Golden (b. 1872). He died in 1928 and was buried next to Mary (b. 1872), who died in 1963, in Calvary Cemetery.

Thomas (b. 1862) married Margaret Donoahue (b. 1863) in 1893 and lived in Dell Prairie next to the property owned by Patrick O?Connell, the first cousin of Timothy (b. 1826). They would have four children Thomas Elmer born in 1894, Timothy Raymond born 1895, Philip Roscoe born on August 3, 1896, and Anastasia Marie born 1899. Margaret (b. 1863) would pass away in 1922, and Thomas (b. 1862) would pass away on February 17, 1937. An interesting story was first reported a Kansas newspaper and later recounted in the Mirror Gazette, the newspaper in the Wisconsin Dells area, on 25 April 1896. The story goes that five men N.O. Tofson, Ole Tofson, Will Tofsen Jens Anderson, and Emmet Peterson attended a party at Tom O?Connell?s home. As the men were returning home, they had beads of electricity in their hair and beards. Also, a bluish light streamed from their fur coats. The meaning or reason of this story is unknown.

Michael (b. 1869) married Mary Golden (b. 1872) and owned a farm. Michael (b. 1869) died in 1928 without having children. Mary (b. 1872) died in 1963. Michael?s sister Anna (b. 1858) dies at the age of 22 in 1880 without having children.

Bridgett (b. 1857), daughter of Patrick (b. 1802), worked as a maid at the New Hall House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She died after jumping from a third story window during a fire.

John M. (b. 1871), son of Patrick, married Helen Bresnahan (b. 1879) and they had three children John, Stella born 1903, and Alma.

Daniel (b. 1864), son of Patrick, married Anna Holihan, and they had four children Mildred Francis, Margaret, Joseph Harold, and Earl.

Michael (b. 1867) was affectionately called "The Broom Stick" since he made his living making broomsticks. He died in 1927 walking up Galitz Hill of a heart attack on Thanksgiving Eve going to a relative?s home.

The remaining daughters of Patrick (b. 1802) married and moved to other parts of the country. Hattie (b. AFT 1870) married and moved to Las Vegas Nevada where she died living with her son. Kate (b. AFT 1870) married a Bresnahan and moved to Seattle Washington. Mary (b. 1853) married a Carter and moved to Portage Wisconsin where she died in 1928. Agnes (b. 1868) married a Laird and had one son Thomas.

Timothy (b. 1863), the son of James (b. 1829), is not heard from at all. Mary (b. 1865) would marry Thomas Connor and move to Indiana. Marietta (b 1867) at the age of 16 (circa 1883) worked as a chambermaid in Milwaukee until she returned home to marry her Aunt Mary Shahan O?Connell?s nephew Patrick Shahan (b. 1859).

Third Generation: O?Connells of the Dells

Timothy Raymond (b. 1895), son of Thomas (b. 1862) was drafted in World War I and died in battle in Alsace, France in 1921.

Timothy (b. 1879), Daniel?s Son, took over his father?s farm in New Haven. He married Nellie Holton (b. 1881), of Sauk County, Wisconsin on 29 Oct 1904. They would have 7 children Ann (Date of Birth unknown), Charles (date of birth unknown), Lawrence (Date of birth unknown), Florence (Date of birth unknown), Walter (born 3 Dec 1910), Marion (born 20 Nov 1911), and Gerald (born 25 Nov 1922). Gerald Richard O'Connell who was born on November 25, 1922 and baptized at St. Cecelia's Church in the Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Timothy (b. 1879), who was affectionately called "Fat Tim", would move to Maywood, Illinois where he worked as a machinist for the Railroad. On 5 May 1934, Timothy (b. 1879) would die at Cook county Hospital of pneumonia. Nellie (b. 1881) would also pass away at Belmont Hospital on 18 Sept 1945.

Submitted by Gerald O'Connell, December 1999.

Web Resources:

Genforum - http://genforum.genealogy.com/oconnell/

The O?Conaill name, literally translated as "friendship," is one of the twenty-five (25) most common in Ireland. O?Connell is the Anglicized version of the name. The family arms is a stag trippant between three trefoils countercharged. The crest is a stag?s head erased, charged with a trefoil. The motto in Gaelic is Cial agus neart, which means "Wisdom and Strength". This genealogy is based on the pedigree submitted by Count Daniel O?Connell to the Heralds of King Louis XVI of France and can not now be authenticated beyond the 17th century.

Main Genealogy from Ancient times

In early mediaeval times, there were several unrelated septs of O'Connell; those of Ulster and Connact are seldom heard of even as late as the fourteenth century. O'Dugan (d. 1372) in the "Topographical Poems" mentions O?Conaill as a family of Oirghiall and another, again, as of Ui Maine. The name does not appear in the Four Masters after 1117 when the death of Cathasach O'Conaill, "noble Bishop of Connacht," is recorded. Another of the name, Bishop of Thomond (Killaloe) is mentioned in the "Annals of Innisfallen" under date 927 A.D.; but if this be a true surname it is one of the earlier examples. The "Annals of Connacht" have no reference to the name.

This Kerry family can trace their decendency from Conaill Gabhra "Conaill of the Swift Horses", the king of Munster in 355 A.D. Conaill was in the line of Daire Caerb. Daire Caerb was brother to Lughaidh ? No. 88 in the line of Heber, the son of King Milisieus - and son of Oilioll Flann-beag. Daire Caerb had five sons including Fiacha and Fiachra - the ancestors to the O?Donovan family. Fiacha had two sons Brian and Caibre ? ancestors to the Ua Cairbre or O?Carberry. Brian had a son Daire, and Daire had a son Fionnliath. Fionnliath had a son Conaill and Conall son Ua Conaill or Connell. The descendants of Conaill inhabited Upper and Lower Conello in Co. Tiperrary.

In 1178, the O'Connells as well as the Harrington, Collins, and O'Donovan clans were expelled from Conello, Co. Limerick by Donald Mor O'Brien of Thomond. These families migrated south to Co. Kerry and Cork. The O'Connells possessed the lordship of Magh o goinin, or the Barony of Magunihy, in East Kerry. The chief of the clan resided in Aghadoe. According to legend, "The O?Connell?s of slender swords, dwelt in the bushy forts betwixt the Laune and the Maine."

The earliest known chief of the O?Connell clan was Aodh (Hugh) O?Connell living in 1337. He had two children Aodh (Hugh) and Shela who were living in 1341. Aodh, the son of the first chief, married Margaret O?Brien daughter of Mahon Moenmoy O?Brien, prince of Thomond. Shela married John O?Mahony Mergagh, of Desmond. Hugh and Margaret had a son Geoffrey, living in 1393, who married Catherine O?Connor-Kerry. They had a son Donal (Daniel) Fitzgeofferey O?Connell, living in 1421, who married Honoria O?Sullivan-Beare.

During the Norman invasion, the Fitzgerald family pressured by the powerful O?Donoghue family towards the Atlantic coast thereby displacing the O?Connells farther west. Their retreat led them to the peninsula of Iveragh, where the O?Connells became hereditary castellans of Ballycarbery under the MacCarthy Mor chiefs.

The lineage continued with Sir Aodh (Hugh), living in 1436, son of Donal and Honoria O?Connell. He married Mary Mc Carthy-Mor daughter of Donal Mc Carthy-Mor. Hugh was knighted Sir Richard Nugent, Lord Deputy of Ireland. They had a son Maurice who married Juliana O?Sullivan-Mor daughter of Rory O?Sullivan-Mor. They had a son Morgan who married Elisabeth O?Donovan daughter of the chief of clan Cathail in Carberry. They had a son Hugh who married Mora daughter of Sir Tadg O?Brien of Baille-na-Carriga, County, Clare. They had a son Morgan of Ballycarbery who was named the High Sheriff of Kerry. Morgan married Helena daughter of Donal Mc Carthy. They had a son Richard who married Johanna daughter of Ceallaghan Mc Carthy. Richard surrendered the castle in Ballycarbery to the English. Richard and Johanna had a son Maurice. Maurice, who also was named High Sheriff of Kerry, married Margaret O?Callaghan daughter of Conchobhar (Conor) O?Callaghan. They had two sons Richard who became the Bishop of Ardfert, and Geoffrey, who carried the title High Sheriff of Kerry. Geoffrey, who died on 25 April 1639, married Honoria daughter of "The Mc Crohan" Lettercastle. Geoffrey and Honora had five sons Maurice of Caherbarnagh near Waterville, Daniel Mac Geoffrey of Ahavore, Peter of Claghanmacquin, John of Ashtown, and Charles of Ballymacleragh.

O?Connells of Brentree, Co. Clare and Ashtown, Co. Dublin

The disasters of the seventeenth century forced the chief family to County Clare. According to the book of Forfeitures and Distributions of 1656, Maurice O?Connell of Caherbearnagh is given as late proprietor of eighteen estates. All estates were given up, except Inishlishmulty and Drumlahort. Maurice?s younger brother, John of Ashtown, Dublin, was a friend and agent of the Duke of Ormonde. Through the Duke?s influence, the O?Connells managed to submit to Henry Cromwell that the heads of the family were to old, too young, or too sick, to have taken part in the Stuart War of 1656. A decree was given that Maurice of Caherbearnagh and his grandson Maurice were to be granted fifteen ploughshares, as long as he move to Brentree, County Clare and renounce all their property in County Kerry. Maurice is reported to have died while in route to Co. Clare.

Maurice had one son Geoffrey of Brentree, Co. Clare who had two sons Maurice and John, and a daughter Catherine. Maurice became a Brigadier General in the Army of King James II. Maurice married Catherine, daughter of Sir William Langton, and possesses land in Keenagh, BallyMcZorin, Skylarig, Bralrig, Drumikeare, Kanburn, Ballynaglerig, Ballynehaw, and Caherlearig all in the Barony of Iveragh. Maurice and Catherine had a son Richard also known as "Lame Rick". Richard eventually became impoverished in London. John, the son of Daniel Mac

Geoffrey, became Lieutenant of the Foot Guards in the Army of King James II, and died at the Siege of Derry in 1689.

After the chief and his main decedents moved to Co. Clare, another grandson of Maurice, Geoffrey was allowed to stay in Ballinahow in the Parish of Killemlagh. Maurice, the eldest son of Geoffrey, was able to reclaim his family?s former land in Dunmaniheen in Parish Killorglin. Unfortunately, the O?Connells of Brentree and Ashtown eventually died without heirs.

O?Connells of Ahavore

Daniel McGeoffrey, son of Geoffrey and Honora, married Alice, daughter of Chistopher Seagrave, Mayor of Dublin. Daniel and Alice had two sons John of Loher and Derrynane, and Maurice of Dunmaniheen.

O?Connells of Dunmaniheen

Maurice, son of Daniel McGeoffrey, married Ellen, daughter of Colonel Callaghan O?Callaghan of Banteer, Co. Cork. Maurice was succeeded by his son, Geoffrey, who was called "Shera na mbo mor" or in English "of the vast herds." He settled in Emlaghnore in Iveragh and died in 1722, at the age of 38 years. Geoffrey had three sons Maurice of Emlaghmore near Waterville, Rev. Morgan DD parish priest of Dingle and then of Killarney, and Charles of Maghre, Co. Clare.

O?Connells of Tralee

Maurice, the son of Geoffrey "Shera na mbo mor", married Jane Hurley, the daughter of Thomas Blennerhassett. Maurice and Jane had three sons Richard of Mount Rivers, Killorgin, Burgess of Tralee, Thomas M.D. of Rathkeale, Co. Limerick and Tralee, and Edward of Tralee.

Thomas M.D. married UNKNOWN Jefcot and had three children, and then married Ellen, daughter of Edward Tuohy. Thomas would have three sons Edward, Richard and Maurice, and five daughters Mary, Catherine, Anne Helena, Elizabeth, and UNKNOWN. Edward was a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. Richard was a Lieutenant in the 89th Regiment and a Captain in the 84th Regiment, and married Elizabeth, daughter of David Tuohy. Richard had three sons, Thomas, clerk of the Tralee Union, Richard and Daniel, and two daughters Maryanne and UNKNOWN. Maurice would marry UNKNOWN Playne, and then Mary, the daughter of James Mountain Mohoney. Maurice would have two sons Thomas "The Banker", and James who died at a young age. Maurice had two daughters Ellen and Elizabeth. Mary, the Daughter of Thomas M.D., would marry Daniel "The Liberator" O?Connell of Derrynane.

Edward would marry the Daughter of William Murphy and had three sons Daniel "Splinter" of Tralee, John who was a Lieutenant 43rd Regiment, and Richard M.D.

O?Connells of Derrynane Abbey

While the senior branches of the O?Connell clan led a modest life in Tralee, another branch led a prosperous life in Derrynane. Mountains on the East and the ocean on the West isolate the Iveragh peninsula, where Derrynane is located. These areas, as well as other western seaboard areas like Dingle, were often called "Hidden Ireland." Many of the old Gaelic traditions were still practiced there although the rest of Ireland was forbidden to practice these traditions. This also was a prime area for smuggling of which the O?Connells were engaged. Wine, brandy, velvets, and other commodities were imported from the continent without passing by the gauger (i.e. Customs official). Many of the O?Connell?s who left the island for the continental schools or armies served to help the family business.

John, the son of Daniel and Alice, were the first of the Derrynane branch settling there shortly after 1700. His mother, Alice Seagrave, was the daughter of a wealthy family Cabra in Dublin. John was brought up in a cultured home amidst the depths of Kerry. John married Elizabeth Conway, daughter of Christopher Conway of Cloghane near Tralee. Christopher was related to Lord Conway, the first of the name in Ireland. John was a Captain in the Army of King James II. There was tight knit web of cousins within the sophisticated society of South Kerry. John and Elizabeth would have two sons Donal Mor, Daniel, Maurice of Tarmons, Waterville, and Geoffrey Octave, a Roman Catholic priest, and five daughters Anne, Clare, Elizabeth, Alice and UNKNOWN.

Maurice of Tarmons, Waterville, married Mary O'Sullivan-Beare of Berehaven, Co. Cork. They had three sons Daniel of Tarmons, known as Teig ns Stiall (or "Of the Stallions"), Geoffrey of BallybrackLodge, Waterville, and Murcheartach, known as Morty, and three daughters Marry Anne, Honoria. Murcheartach was named Baron Moritz O'Connell a Kerry exile who, as well as being chamberlain to three emperors, served with military distinction on the continent.

Donal Mor, Daniel, became the heir of Derrynane and married Maire Ni Dhubibh - Mary O?Donoghue - the daughter of the prince of Glenfisk. Daniel and Mary would have 22 children including John, Maurice, Morgan of Carhen, Cahirciveen, Connell who was lost at sea, Count Daniel Charles, Elizabeth, Alice, Honora, Joan, Mary, Eileen, Abigail, and Anne Nancy.

John married Mary, daughter of John Falvey of Faha, Killarney. They had one daughter Abigail who married James Gould of Clonakilty.

Maurice, also known as "Hunting Cap", was the heir of Derrynane. Maurice married Mary Cantillion but had no children. Derrynane was left to Maurice nephew Daniel "the Liberator" O?Connell M.P. son of Morgan.

Count Daniel Charles, the fifth son of Donal Mor and Mary, entered the French Service commonly known as the "Wild Geese". He would eventually be called "the last colonel of the Irish Brigade," by his biographer, Mrs. M. J. O'Connell. He entered the French Service in the regiment the Royal Regiment of Swedes where he attained the rank of Major. He was then appointed to Clare's Regiment of the Irish Brigade. He was later re-appointed as Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Swedes where he distinguished himself at the siege and capture of Port Mahon in 1779. He received thanks and recommendation for promotion from the Minster of War who elevated him to the rank of Colonel. Soon after, his regiment was sent with the rest of the French troops to capture Gibraltar on the 13 September 1782 where he was severely wounded. In France, he inducted in the Order of St. Louis, a title of nobility, but he had to flee France due to the Revolution. Upon returning to England, he was appointed as Colonel of the 4th Regiment of the Irish Brigade.

Morgan of Caher, Cahirciveen, ran a general store, farmer and landlord. He married Catherine, the daughter of John O'Mullane, Whitechurch, Mallow, Co. Cork. Morgan and Catherine had four sons Daniel "the Liberator", Maurice Morgan, John of Grenagh, and Sir James of Lakeview, and six daughters Mary, Honora, Ellen, Bridgett, Alicia, and Catherine.

Maurice Morgan served in the Irish Brigade under his Uncle Count Daniel Charles O'Connell. John of Grenagh married Elizabeth Coppinger the daughter of William Coppinger, of Ballyvolane and Ballyscourt, Co. Cork. Daniel "the Liberator" married Mary O'Connell of the Tralee branch mentioned above. He inherited Derrynane Abbey from his Uncle Maurice "Hunting Cap" O'Connell. He had six sons Maurice, Morgan, Edward, John, Daniel Stephen, Daniel, and five daughters Ellen, Catherine "Saucy Kate", Elizabeth Mary "Betsy", Mary and Richarda.

Daniel "the Liberator" O'Connell's Family Tree

Daniel "the Liberator" O'Connell m. Mary O'Connell of Tralee

.....1 Maurice O'Connell m. Mary Francis Bindon Scoot

..........2 Daniel O'Connell m. Isabella Ellen Lawlor

...............3 Isabella Mary O'Connell

...............3 Kathleen O'Connell

...............3 Margaret Gertrude O'Connell

...............3 Eily Mary O'Connell

...............3 Frances Mary O'Connell

..........2 John Maurice O'Connell m. Mary McCarthy

...............3 Daniel Maurice O'Connell

...............3 Maurice Charles m. Emily O'Connell (of Milford Co. Cork)

....................4 Rev. John Maurice O'Connell

....................4 Daniel O'Connell

....................4 Maurice Richard O'Connell

....................4 Geoffrey O'Connell

....................4 Richarda O'Connell

..............3 Anna O'Connell m Alfred Kingsley

..............3 Mary O'Connell m Martyn Hooke

..............3 Kathleen O'Connell

..............3 Jane O'Connell m Timothy O'Mahony

..............3 Eileen O'Connell m Peter O'Rahilly

..........2 Fanny O'Connell

..........2 Mary O'Connell m. Daniel McCarthy

.....1 Morgan O'Connell m. Kate Mary Balf

.....1 Edward O'Connell

.....1 John O'Connell m. Elizabeth Ryan

..........2 Daniel John O'Connell

..........2 John O'Connell m. Mary Baldwin

..............3 John Henry O'Connell MD m. Mary Burke

...................4 John O'Connell

...................4 Donal (Brother Brendan, Marist Order) O'Connell

...................4 Morgan O'Connell

...................4 Hubert O'Connell m. Constance Williams

...................4 Margaretta O'Connell

...................4 Sheila O'Connell m. Major W. Hugh Harold

...................4 Nora O'Connell

..............3 Daniel John O'Connell (Seattle, WA USA) m. Elizabeth Leyne

..............3 Henry O'Connell

..............3 Margaret Mary O'Connell

..........2 Morgan John Joseph O'Connell

..........2 Elizabeth O'Connell m. James Sullivan

..........2 Mary O'Connell m. Andrew Nugent Comyn

..........2 Kathleen O'Connell m. Major Michael Joseph Balfe

.....1 Daniel Stephen O'Connell

.....1 Daniel O'Connell MP m. Ellen Mary Foster

.........2 Daniel John foster O'Connell

.........2 Maurice Francis Donal Benedict O'Connell

.........2 Geoffrey Owen Morgan O'Connell

.........2 Morgan McFarlane Francis Xavier O'Connell m. Kate Melcombe

..............3 Daniel Morgan O'Connell m. Phyliss Pinell

..............3 Maurice Cecil O'Connell m. Betty Farmer

..............3 Maureen O'Connell

..............3 Joan O'Connell

.........2 Edmund John Day O'Connell m. Helena Warburton

..............3 Norah O'Connell

..............3 Patricia O'Connell

..............3 Betty O'Connell

.........2 James O'Connell (an actor)

.........2 Eily Mary Foster O'Connell

.........2 Mary Kathleen Elisabeth O'Connell

.........2 Dorothy Margaret Mary O'Connell

.........2 Katherine O'Connell

.....1 Ellen O'Connell m. Christopher FitzSimmons

.....1 Catherine "Saucy Kate" O'Connell m. Charles O'Connell (of Ballybloun)

.....1 Elizabeth Mary "Betsy" O'Connell m. Nicholas Joseph French

.....1 Mary O'Connell

.....1 Rickarda O'Connell

Other notable O'Connells

The earliest is the Capuchin Father Robert O'Connell (c. 1621-1678). The first O'Connell to become a figure of national importance was One O'Connell from Co. Clare merits a place in the national roll of honor, Peter O'Connell (1775-1826) - described by Prof. T. F. O'Rahilly as "the best Irish scholar in the Ireland of a century ago." Many O'Connell scholars and clerics have been somewhat eclipsed by the soldiers and politicians. Father Daniel O'Connell, a kinsman of the "Liberator" and a Jesuit, is recognized internationally as an astronomer and seismologist.

O?Connells of Co. Cork

In addition to the genealogy of O?Connell family from Kerry, there is an alternate genealogy for the O?Connell families from Cork. Although, most O?Connells from Co. Cork can trace their heritage to the genealogy above, there was another Conaill in the line of Corc son of Luighad son of Oilill Flann Beag. This genealogy, however, has not been published.

O?Connells of Tuath na Dromun

Tuath na Dromun (also spelled toughnadromun and tognadromun) literally translates as the people (or district) of the ridge referring to the ridge above the Lee river where this area is located. Tuath na Dromun was an ancient Celtic area and Druid stronghold. It currently covers the parishes of Ballyvourney, Killnamartyr, and Clondrohid. This area lies 10 kilometers west of Killarney in county Cork and few kilometers east of Macroom along the Cork ? Killarney road. During 836, the Danes plundered Tuath na Dromun.

Tuath na Dromun centers on the Church of St. Lachtain, which dates back to the 6th century. After St. Lachtain?s death his hand was preserved since it supposedly had healing powers. For centuries afterwards, people came from long distances to be healed by St. Lachtain?s hand. Eventually, the church was destroyed in order to discourage pilgrimages and a new church was built called Cill na Martyr or church of the relic. This is where the current parish of Kilnamartyra receives its name.

There is a group of O?Connells from this area of Co. Cork that immigrated to the United States during the famine period. One of these O?Connells, Daniel O?Connell (b. 1838), was last heard from in Kilbourn, Wisconsin where my family settled. However, I have not been able to link my family with this group, although there is a possible connection. According to family stories, there is

another brother to Timothy, Morris and James O?Connell, who settled in the Dells area, named Daniel. I believe the Daniel noted above could have been the missing brother. Among these three brothers, there are discrepancies whether they are from Co. Kerry or Co. Cork. Since this area is along the Kerry ? Cork border, they could have claimed they were in either county depending on where they lived. Furthermore, related families, the Tangneys and Bresnahans, have traced

their ancestors to Killarney Parish that is also near this area.

This group includes a Hannah Connell who lived in Boston in 1859. She placed an advertisement in the Boston Pilot looking for two people. The first was Daniel Connell; aged 21 years that puts his date of birth in 1838, and the son of Jeremiah Connell of parish Toughnadromun. He was last heard from in Kilbourn Wisconsin in March 1858.

John O?Connell of Jersey City, New Jersey placed another advertisement looking for his cousins Timothy, William and Mary O?Connell. They were natives of Kilmichael parish, which is just south of Tuath na Dromun over the Lee river. Their mother was of the woods of that parish, and their father was of the O?Connells of Toughnadromun. Mary was a housekeeper to John Miner of Bailee, parish of Macroom, Co. Cork, and she was married to Con (usually short for Cornelius) Murphy. They were last heard from in Toronto, Canada.

Another person form this branch is Daniel O?Connell born 21 December 1802 near the village of Macroom. He was the eldest son of William and Lucy (or Sheila) O'Connell. It is reported that William O'Connell's mother was a distant relative of the O'Connell's of Derrynane and cared for Daniel "the Liberator" O'Connell's children. Daniel immigrated to the United States in October of 1851 and settled near Detroit, Michigan. He died in 1906 and his headstone notes that he is from Tognadromun.

O?Connells of the Dells (Adams County, Wisconsin)

The earliest related O?Connells that arrived in the United States include five that settled in Adams County Wisconsin near the City of Kilbourn also known as the Wisconsin Dells area. These families include Michael (b. 1802), Patrick (b.1804), Maurice (b. 1821), Timothy (b. 1826) and James (b. 1827). I believe that Maurice, Timothy and James are brothers, and Patrick is their first cousin. Michael is not a brother to Patrick and probably not to Maurice, Timothy and James either. His relationship is probably through his wife who is a sister to Timothy?s wife.

Another O?Connell family, which is not directly related, lived in Sauk county southwest of Kilbourn City. John O?Connell was born on 13 December 1823 on Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland. His parents were Lawrence O?Connell and Hannah Prindiville. John (b. 1823) immigrated to the United States in 1847 and purchased a farm north of Baraboo, Sauk County, Wisconsin in 1855. He was one of the original parishioners of St. Joseph parish in Baraboo.

John (b. 1823) was first married to Ellen Shay in Battleboro, Vermont on July 14, 1850. They had three children Anna, William Francis, and Ellen. Ellen Shay O?Connell died on January 14, 1862. John (b. 1823) married for a second time to Mary Ann Hackedt from Juneau County, who was the widow of John McCauley. William Francis (b. Jan 1854) married Ellen Holton of Dellona township on 24 February 1879. They moved to Malta, Montana where they settled.

In Marquette County, Wisconsin north of Adams County, three O?Connell brother?s lived: William O'Connell b.1852 in County Cork Ireland; Patrick O'Connell b. 8 Sept 1824 in County Cork, Ireland; Michael O'Connell b. 1828. They may be related to the O?Connells of Adams County, but there is no evidence to support the relationship.

William (b. 1852) married Ellen and they had seven children in Marquette Co., WI: Mary, Martin, Nell, DE, William L., D.L., and Catherine "Kate" O'Connell. Patrick married Ellen Reardon about 1851 in Herkimer Co., New York, and they had five children: Martin, Mary, Hannah, Ellen, and William (b. Nov 1859 in Buffalo Township, Marquette, WI). Michael O'Connell married Eliza and they had four children: Mary, John, Patrick, and Dennis.

The story of the Adams County group is that they emigrated from Ireland probably through the port near Tralee and landed in Boston around 1851 with several related families including the Shahan, Bresnahan, Tangney, Prindable, Costellos, and Sullivans. At this time, Chauncey Rose, a railroad magnate from Terre Haute, Indiana, sent a representative to Boston to buy two railroad engines and hire Irish laborers. He was building a railroad between Richmond, Indianapolis and Terre Haute Indiana. This group of immigrates were hired by Chauncey Rose?s agent and transported the new engines west through the state of New York where they boarded a barge at Buffalo. They road the barge south into a river and canals of Ohio. In Ohio, the group split into two. One group went to Cincinnati to start the eastern leg of the railroad, and the other group, which included our ancestors, went to Terre Haute to start the western leg of the railroad. This line eventually broke into two separate companies the Terre Haute Indianapolis and the Indiana Central.

The Terre Haute group built the railroad up to Indianapolis. During this time, they settled near Greencastle, Putnam Co., Indiana. Several members of this group were married and started families. However, this was not their final destination. Greencastle served as a junction between the Terre Haute ? Indianapolis Railroad and the Louisville, Indianapolis, and Chicago Railroad, commonly known as the Monon line. The Monon line traveled north of Greencastle and split into two legs one going towards Chicago and one going towards Michigan City. I am unsure if this group worked on or just traveled on the Monon line, but they did eventually travel north to Chicago and ultimately Milwaukee.

In Milwaukee, Bryon Kilbourn the city?s former mayor and railroad magnate had just been named president of a small railroad called the Milwaukee - Watertown line. The Terre Haute group was hired to work on this line. The line was extended to go all the way to LaCrosse, and re-chartered the Milwaukee - LaCrosse Railroad. The next destination after Watertown was Portage in Columbia, County. From Portage, the line extended west to the Wisconsin River in the township of Newport the western most part of Columbia County. The construction of this line was temporarily halted until they built a bridge over the Wisconsin River approximately 10 miles west of Portage in Newport. The residents of this area formed a town called Kilbourn City after Bryon Kilbourn the president of the Milwaukee - LaCrosse line. Some of the Irish work gangs did not continue with the railroad. Instead, they settled in New Haven and Dell Prarie townships in Adams County Wisconsin approximately 5 miles north of Kilbourn City. The area around Kilbourn City was more commonly referred to as the Dells, and currently called Wisconsin Dells. The name is derived from the beautiful rock formations, called Dalles in French, which lined the river at this point.

The closest parish to O?Connells was St. Cecilia in Kilbourn City first organized in 1859. The first structure was a wooden building. By 1903, the old wooden building was outgrown and a brick structure was built. In 1907, Rev. Nicholas Hanert took charge with 100 families in residence.

During this migration from Tralee to the Dells, several from the group were lost. There were five O?Connell brothers who emigrated together but only three settled in the Dells. One was reported to have stayed in Indiana, another went to Baltimore, and they were never heard from again. There are several O?Connell, Tangney, Bresnahan, and Sullivans in the Cincinnati area who are most likely related to the Terre Haute group. While Timothy (b. 1826) and Mary Shahan (b. 1829) O?Connell resided near Greencastle Indiana, they were married (probably at St. John?s in Indianapolis) and had two children Catherine born in 1852, and Daniel born approximately 1855.

The earliest ancestor of the O?Connell family, of which I am related, is Timothy O?Connell born in County Kerry, Ireland in 1826, and he married Mary Shahan (b. 1829) in 1852. Upon arriving in the Dells, Timothy bought a farm in Section 21 of New Haven Township. Timothy (b. 1826) and Mary (b. 1835) would have six more children. Mary Ann born 3 April 1857, Timothy born approximately 1861, Thomas born approximately 1863, Josephine born approximately 1865, Ellen "Nellie" born approximately 1867, and Michael born approximately 1869.

According to family stories, Timothy (b. 1826) was drafted into the Union Army and fought in the Civil War. Catherine (b. 1852), who was approximately 9 years old at the time, recalls that a man came to the door and took her father away. Timothy?s other daughter Mary (b. 1835) remarked that she could have killed the man who took her father away. He served with the 51st Wisconsin Infantry from Milwaukee but was never mobilized into action. A few months after he was drafted the Civil War ended and he returned home. Upon his return, he resumed farming until he contracted tuberculoses in 1877. Timothy (b. 1826) died on 19 March 1877. Within a few years after Timothy?s death, the family farm was sold to the Gaffney family who owns it to this day.

Patrick O?Connell, a first cousin to Timothy (b. 1826), also settled in the Kilbourn City area. Patrick was born in County Cork Ireland in 1802 the son of Daniel O?Connell. He emigrated in 1856 and was not part of the migration through Indiana. Upon arriving in the Dells, he settled a large parcel of property in Dell Prarie. He attempted to acquire the property but thought that $1,000 was too much to be in debt so he acquired a smaller parcel. In 1861, Patrick bought forty-six and a half acres in Dell Prairie Township, Adams County that was owned by the family until the 1980?s. Patrick would marry Bridgett Glavin. They had nine children including Mary (b. 1853), Bridget (b. 1857), Daniel (b. 1864), Michael (b. 1867), Agnes (b. 1868), John (b. 1869), Hattie (b. AFT 1870), Catherine (b. AFT 1870), and a child who died at birth.

Maurice O?Connell (the named is also spelled Morris) was born in 1828 in County Cork Ireland. Although he was born in County Cork, I believe him to be a brother to Timothy O?Connell (b.1826) born in County Kerry. Maurice was born to well-to-do parents. He was part of the group that migrated through Indiana where he meets and marries Ellen Tangney. Ellen was born in County Kerry. They had eight children including Catherine born 1856, Timothy born 1858, Mary Ann born 11 December 1860 in Dell Prarie, Elizabeth born 1864 in Dell Prarie, David born 1866, James Patrick born 28 April 1868 in Dell Prarie, Margaret born 1872 in Dell Prarie, and Daniel born 1879 in Dell Prarie. Morris served with his brother Timothy (b. 1826) in the 51st Wisconsin Infantry. He died the 28 August 1895 and buried in Calvary Cemetery, Kilbourn, Wisconsin.

James O?Connell was born in 1827 in County Cork. I believe he is the third brother of Timothy and Morris who settled in Adams County Wisconsin. He married a Bridgett Clark and had three children Timothy born 1863, Catherine born 1865, and Mary (also called Marietta) born 1867. James, upon arriving in the Dells, lived on property purchased by and adjacent to his brother Morris. Bridgett would pass away in the Dells and buried in Calvary Cemetery. James moved to Ward Indiana with his daughter Marietta. He died in Indiana and buried in the Catholic cemetery in Lebanon, Indiana.

Michael O?Connell was born in 1800 in Ireland. His parents were J. O?Connell and Honora Manning. I do not believe that he is a brother to Timothy, Morris and James because he is over twenty years older than they are, and he is buried in a different section of Calvary Cemetery. The families of the three brothers are all buried to together in Calvary Cemetery in Wisconsin Dells. Although this family is probably related through the Shahan family. Michael (b. 1800) married Ellen Shahan (b. 1826). Ellen is probably a sister to Mary Shahan (b. 1829) who married Timothy O?Connell (b. 1826). Furthermore, his parents are different from Patrick (b. 1802), therefore he is probably not directly related to Patrick (b. 1802). Two of his children were born in Indiana, which indicates that he was part of the Indiana migration. Michael and Ellen had four children including Timothy born 1849, Patrick born 1851, Catherine born 1852, and Daniel born 1853.

Second Generation: O?Connells of the Dells

Catherine (b. 1852), daughter of Timothy (b. 1826), was never married. She inherited property from her grandfather Timothy Shahan at 1023 Bowman street in the town of Kilbourn City and lived there until her death in 1940. Although, she never married, she helps raise her niece Stella Hayes who eventually inherited the same property and lived there with her husband Stanley Leo Gavinski.

Daniel (b. 1855), the son of Timothy (b. 1826), would marry Anna Thorensen (b. 1858). They had one child Timothy James O?Connell born 10 October 1879. Daniel (b. 1855) would buy his own farm in Section 9 of New Haven Township. Soon after Timothy (b. 1879) was born, Anna (b. 1858) passed away in 1880 and is interned at Calvary Cemetery in Kilbourn. Daniel (b. 1855) would remarry to Margaret Berg from Sherry Wisconsin near Stevens Point. Margaret was the widow of Elmer Berg and had two children Elmer Berg Jr. and Edna Berg Fosterling. Tragedy would hit the O?Connell family when Daniel (b. 1855) took his own life on April 3, 1905, on his farm. The newspaper account did not speculate why he took his life except the family is quoted as they thought he was deranged.

Mary Ann (b. 1857) would marry James Hayes of Dellona, Sauk County, Wisconsin. Josephine was also married, but moved to North Dakota where she died.

Timothy (b. 1861) married Annie UNKNOWN (born April 20, 1866). They had one child James W. O?Connell who was born September 25, 1889. The following month Annie died on October 21, 1899, and the following year James (b. 1889) died on January 20, 1899. Timothy would remarry to Mary Cooper from Dublin, Ireland on October 29, 1904. Timothy (b. 1861) died in 1925 and is buried next to his sister Catherine in Calvary Cemetery, Kilbourn City, and Wisconsin.

Ellen (b. 1867) married a man with the surname of Bauer. She died on December 23, 1908. Michael (b. 1869) married Mary Golden (b. 1872). He died in 1928 and was buried next to Mary (b. 1872), who died in 1963, in Calvary Cemetery.

Thomas (b. 1862) married Margaret Donoahue (b. 1863) in 1893 and lived in Dell Prairie next to the property owned by Patrick O?Connell, the first cousin of Timothy (b. 1826). They would have four children Thomas Elmer born in 1894, Timothy Raymond born 1895, Philip Roscoe born on August 3, 1896, and Anastasia Marie born 1899. Margaret (b. 1863) would pass away in 1922, and Thomas (b. 1862) would pass away on February 17, 1937. An interesting story was first reported a Kansas newspaper and later recounted in the Mirror Gazette, the newspaper in the Wisconsin Dells area, on 25 April 1896. The story goes that five men N.O. Tofson, Ole Tofson, Will Tofsen Jens Anderson, and Emmet Peterson attended a party at Tom O?Connell?s home. As the men were returning home, they had beads of electricity in their hair and beards. Also, a bluish light streamed from their fur coats. The meaning or reason of this story is unknown.

Michael (b. 1869) married Mary Golden (b. 1872) and owned a farm. Michael (b. 1869) died in 1928 without having children. Mary (b. 1872) died in 1963. Michael?s sister Anna (b. 1858) dies at the age of 22 in 1880 without having children.

Bridgett (b. 1857), daughter of Patrick (b. 1802), worked as a maid at the New Hall House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She died after jumping from a third story window during a fire.

John M. (b. 1871), son of Patrick, married Helen Bresnahan (b. 1879) and they had three children John, Stella born 1903, and Alma.

Daniel (b. 1864), son of Patrick, married Anna Holihan, and they had four children Mildred Francis, Margaret, Joseph Harold, and Earl.

Michael (b. 1867) was affectionately called "The Broom Stick" since he made his living making broomsticks. He died in 1927 walking up Galitz Hill of a heart attack on Thanksgiving Eve going to a relative?s home.

The remaining daughters of Patrick (b. 1802) married and moved to other parts of the country. Hattie (b. AFT 1870) married and moved to Las Vegas Nevada where she died living with her son. Kate (b. AFT 1870) married a Bresnahan and moved to Seattle Washington. Mary (b. 1853) married a Carter and moved to Portage Wisconsin where she died in 1928. Agnes (b. 1868) married a Laird and had one son Thomas.

Timothy (b. 1863), the son of James (b. 1829), is not heard from at all. Mary (b. 1865) would marry Thomas Connor and move to Indiana. Marietta (b 1867) at the age of 16 (circa 1883) worked as a chambermaid in Milwaukee until she returned home to marry her Aunt Mary Shahan O?Connell?s nephew Patrick Shahan (b. 1859).

Third Generation: O?Connells of the Dells

Timothy Raymond (b. 1895), son of Thomas (b. 1862) was drafted in World War I and died in battle in Alsace, France in 1921.

Timothy (b. 1879), Daniel?s Son, took over his father?s farm in New Haven. He married Nellie Holton (b. 1881), of Sauk County, Wisconsin on 29 Oct 1904. They would have 7 children Ann (Date of Birth unknown), Charles (date of birth unknown), Lawrence (Date of birth unknown), Florence (Date of birth unknown), Walter (born 3 Dec 1910), Marion (born 20 Nov 1911), and Gerald (born 25 Nov 1922). Gerald Richard O'Connell who was born on November 25, 1922 and baptized at St. Cecelia's Church in the Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Timothy (b. 1879), who was affectionately called "Fat Tim", would move to Maywood, Illinois where he worked as a machinist for the Railroad. On 5 May 1934, Timothy (b. 1879) would die at Cook county Hospital of pneumonia. Nellie (b. 1881) would also pass away at Belmont Hospital on 18 Sept 1945.

Submitted by Gerald O'Connell, December 1999.

Web Resources:

Genforum - http://genforum.genealogy.com/oconnell/

The O?Conaill name, literally translated as "friendship," is one of the twenty-five (25) most common in Ireland. O?Connell is the Anglicized version of the name. The family arms is a stag trippant between three trefoils countercharged. The crest is a stag?s head erased, charged with a trefoil. The motto in Gaelic is Cial agus neart, which means "Wisdom and Strength". This genealogy is based on the pedigree submitted by Count Daniel O?Connell to the Heralds of King Louis XVI of France and can not now be authenticated beyond the 17th century.

Main Genealogy from Ancient times

In early mediaeval times, there were several unrelated septs of O'Connell; those of Ulster and Connact are seldom heard of even as late as the fourteenth century. O'Dugan (d. 1372) in the "Topographical Poems" mentions O?Conaill as a family of Oirghiall and another, again, as of Ui Maine. The name does not appear in the Four Masters after 1117 when the death of Cathasach O'Conaill, "noble Bishop of Connacht," is recorded. Another of the name, Bishop of Thomond (Killaloe) is mentioned in the "Annals of Innisfallen" under date 927 A.D.; but if this be a true surname it is one of the earlier examples. The "Annals of Connacht" have no reference to the name.

This Kerry family can trace their decendency from Conaill Gabhra "Conaill of the Swift Horses", the king of Munster in 355 A.D. Conaill was in the line of Daire Caerb. Daire Caerb was brother to Lughaidh ? No. 88 in the line of Heber, the son of King Milisieus - and son of Oilioll Flann-beag. Daire Caerb had five sons including Fiacha and Fiachra - the ancestors to the O?Donovan family. Fiacha had two sons Brian and Caibre ? ancestors to the Ua Cairbre or O?Carberry. Brian had a son Daire, and Daire had a son Fionnliath. Fionnliath had a son Conaill and Conall son Ua Conaill or Connell. The descendants of Conaill inhabited Upper and Lower Conello in Co. Tiperrary.

In 1178, the O'Connells as well as the Harrington, Collins, and O'Donovan clans were expelled from Conello, Co. Limerick by Donald Mor O'Brien of Thomond. These families migrated south to Co. Kerry and Cork. The O'Connells possessed the lordship of Magh o goinin, or the Barony of Magunihy, in East Kerry. The chief of the clan resided in Aghadoe. According to legend, "The O?Connell?s of slender swords, dwelt in the bushy forts betwixt the Laune and the Maine."

The earliest known chief of the O?Connell clan was Aodh (Hugh) O?Connell living in 1337. He had two children Aodh (Hugh) and Shela who were living in 1341. Aodh, the son of the first chief, married Margaret O?Brien daughter of Mahon Moenmoy O?Brien, prince of Thomond. Shela married John O?Mahony Mergagh, of Desmond. Hugh and Margaret had a son Geoffrey, living in 1393, who married Catherine O?Connor-Kerry. They had a son Donal (Daniel) Fitzgeofferey O?Connell, living in 1421, who married Honoria O?Sullivan-Beare.

During the Norman invasion, the Fitzgerald family pressured by the powerful O?Donoghue family towards the Atlantic coast thereby displacing the O?Connells farther west. Their retreat led them to the peninsula of Iveragh, where the O?Connells became hereditary castellans of Ballycarbery under the MacCarthy Mor chiefs.

The lineage continued with Sir Aodh (Hugh), living in 1436, son of Donal and Honoria O?Connell. He married Mary Mc Carthy-Mor daughter of Donal Mc Carthy-Mor. Hugh was knighted Sir Richard Nugent, Lord Deputy of Ireland. They had a son Maurice who married Juliana O?Sullivan-Mor daughter of Rory O?Sullivan-Mor. They had a son Morgan who married Elisabeth O?Donovan daughter of the chief of clan Cathail in Carberry. They had a son Hugh who married Mora daughter of Sir Tadg O?Brien of Baille-na-Carriga, County, Clare. They had a son Morgan of Ballycarbery who was named the High Sheriff of Kerry. Morgan married Helena daughter of Donal Mc Carthy. They had a son Richard who married Johanna daughter of Ceallaghan Mc Carthy. Richard surrendered the castle in Ballycarbery to the English. Richard and Johanna had a son Maurice. Maurice, who also was named High Sheriff of Kerry, married Margaret O?Callaghan daughter of Conchobhar (Conor) O?Callaghan. They had two sons Richard who became the Bishop of Ardfert, and Geoffrey, who carried the title High Sheriff of Kerry. Geoffrey, who died on 25 April 1639, married Honoria daughter of "The Mc Crohan" Lettercastle. Geoffrey and Honora had five sons Maurice of Caherbarnagh near Waterville, Daniel Mac Geoffrey of Ahavore, Peter of Claghanmacquin, John of Ashtown, and Charles of Ballymacleragh.

O?Connells of Brentree, Co. Clare and Ashtown, Co. Dublin

The disasters of the seventeenth century forced the chief family to County Clare. According to the book of Forfeitures and Distributions of 1656, Maurice O?Connell of Caherbearnagh is given as late proprietor of eighteen estates. All estates were given up, except Inishlishmulty and Drumlahort. Maurice?s younger brother, John of Ashtown, Dublin, was a friend and agent of the Duke of Ormonde. Through the Duke?s influence, the O?Connells managed to submit to Henry Cromwell that the heads of the family were to old, too young, or too sick, to have taken part in the Stuart War of 1656. A decree was given that Maurice of Caherbearnagh and his grandson Maurice were to be granted fifteen ploughshares, as long as he move to Brentree, County Clare and renounce all their property in County Kerry. Maurice is reported to have died while in route to Co. Clare.

Maurice had one son Geoffrey of Brentree, Co. Clare who had two sons Maurice and John, and a daughter Catherine. Maurice became a Brigadier General in the Army of King James II. Maurice married Catherine, daughter of Sir William Langton, and possesses land in Keenagh, BallyMcZorin, Skylarig, Bralrig, Drumikeare, Kanburn, Ballynaglerig, Ballynehaw, and Caherlearig all in the Barony of Iveragh. Maurice and Catherine had a son Richard also known as "Lame Rick". Richard eventually became impoverished in London. John, the son of Daniel Mac

Geoffrey, became Lieutenant of the Foot Guards in the Army of King James II, and died at the Siege of Derry in 1689.

After the chief and his main decedents moved to Co. Clare, another grandson of Maurice, Geoffrey was allowed to stay in Ballinahow in the Parish of Killemlagh. Maurice, the eldest son of Geoffrey, was able to reclaim his family?s former land in Dunmaniheen in Parish Killorglin. Unfortunately, the O?Connells of Brentree and Ashtown eventually died without heirs.

O?Connells of Ahavore

Daniel McGeoffrey, son of Geoffrey and Honora, married Alice, daughter of Chistopher Seagrave, Mayor of Dublin. Daniel and Alice had two sons John of Loher and Derrynane, and Maurice of Dunmaniheen.

O?Connells of Dunmaniheen

Maurice, son of Daniel McGeoffrey, married Ellen, daughter of Colonel Callaghan O?Callaghan of Banteer, Co. Cork. Maurice was succeeded by his son, Geoffrey, who was called "Shera na mbo mor" or in English "of the vast herds." He settled in Emlaghnore in Iveragh and died in 1722, at the age of 38 years. Geoffrey had three sons Maurice of Emlaghmore near Waterville, Rev. Morgan DD parish priest of Dingle and then of Killarney, and Charles of Maghre, Co. Clare.

O?Connells of Tralee

Maurice, the son of Geoffrey "Shera na mbo mor", married Jane Hurley, the daughter of Thomas Blennerhassett. Maurice and Jane had three sons Richard of Mount Rivers, Killorgin, Burgess of Tralee, Thomas M.D. of Rathkeale, Co. Limerick and Tralee, and Edward of Tralee.

Thomas M.D. married UNKNOWN Jefcot and had three children, and then married Ellen, daughter of Edward Tuohy. Thomas would have three sons Edward, Richard and Maurice, and five daughters Mary, Catherine, Anne Helena, Elizabeth, and UNKNOWN. Edward was a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. Richard was a Lieutenant in the 89th Regiment and a Captain in the 84th Regiment, and married Elizabeth, daughter of David Tuohy. Richard had three sons, Thomas, clerk of the Tralee Union, Richard and Daniel, and two daughters Maryanne and UNKNOWN. Maurice would marry UNKNOWN Playne, and then Mary, the daughter of James Mountain Mohoney. Maurice would have two sons Thomas "The Banker", and James who died at a young age. Maurice had two daughters Ellen and Elizabeth. Mary, the Daughter of Thomas M.D., would marry Daniel "The Liberator" O?Connell of Derrynane.

Edward would marry the Daughter of William Murphy and had three sons Daniel "Splinter" of Tralee, John who was a Lieutenant 43rd Regiment, and Richard M.D.

O?Connells of Derrynane Abbey

While the senior branches of the O?Connell clan led a modest life in Tralee, another branch led a prosperous life in Derrynane. Mountains on the East and the ocean on the West isolate the Iveragh peninsula, where Derrynane is located. These areas, as well as other western seaboard areas like Dingle, were often called "Hidden Ireland." Many of the old Gaelic traditions were still practiced there although the rest of Ireland was forbidden to practice these traditions. This also was a prime area for smuggling of which the O?Connells were engaged. Wine, brandy, velvets, and other commodities were imported from the continent without passing by the gauger (i.e. Customs official). Many of the O?Connell?s who left the island for the continental schools or armies served to help the family business.

John, the son of Daniel and Alice, were the first of the Derrynane branch settling there shortly after 1700. His mother, Alice Seagrave, was the daughter of a wealthy family Cabra in Dublin. John was brought up in a cultured home amidst the depths of Kerry. John married Elizabeth Conway, daughter of Christopher Conway of Cloghane near Tralee. Christopher was related to Lord Conway, the first of the name in Ireland. John was a Captain in the Army of King James II. There was tight knit web of cousins within the sophisticated society of South Kerry. John and Elizabeth would have two sons Donal Mor, Daniel, Maurice of Tarmons, Waterville, and Geoffrey Octave, a Roman Catholic priest, and five daughters Anne, Clare, Elizabeth, Alice and UNKNOWN.

Maurice of Tarmons, Waterville, married Mary O'Sullivan-Beare of Berehaven, Co. Cork. They had three sons Daniel of Tarmons, known as Teig ns Stiall (or "Of the Stallions"), Geoffrey of BallybrackLodge, Waterville, and Murcheartach, known as Morty, and three daughters Marry Anne, Honoria. Murcheartach was named Baron Moritz O'Connell a Kerry exile who, as well as being chamberlain to three emperors, served with military distinction on the continent.

Donal Mor, Daniel, became the heir of Derrynane and married Maire Ni Dhubibh - Mary O?Donoghue - the daughter of the prince of Glenfisk. Daniel and Mary would have 22 children including John, Maurice, Morgan of Carhen, Cahirciveen, Connell who was lost at sea, Count Daniel Charles, Elizabeth, Alice, Honora, Joan, Mary, Eileen, Abigail, and Anne Nancy.

John married Mary, daughter of John Falvey of Faha, Killarney. They had one daughter Abigail who married James Gould of Clonakilty.

Maurice, also known as "Hunting Cap", was the heir of Derrynane. Maurice married Mary Cantillion but had no children. Derrynane was left to Maurice nephew Daniel "the Liberator" O?Connell M.P. son of Morgan.

Count Daniel Charles, the fifth son of Donal Mor and Mary, entered the French Service commonly known as the "Wild Geese". He would eventually be called "the last colonel of the Irish Brigade," by his biographer, Mrs. M. J. O'Connell. He entered the French Service in the regiment the Royal Regiment of Swedes where he attained the rank of Major. He was then appointed to Clare's Regiment of the Irish Brigade. He was later re-appointed as Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Swedes where he distinguished himself at the siege and capture of Port Mahon in 1779. He received thanks and recommendation for promotion from the Minster of War who elevated him to the rank of Colonel. Soon after, his regiment was sent with the rest of the French troops to capture Gibraltar on the 13 September 1782 where he was severely wounded. In France, he inducted in the Order of St. Louis, a title of nobility, but he had to flee France due to the Revolution. Upon returning to England, he was appointed as Colonel of the 4th Regiment of the Irish Brigade.

Morgan of Caher, Cahirciveen, ran a general store, farmer and landlord. He married Catherine, the daughter of John O'Mullane, Whitechurch, Mallow, Co. Cork. Morgan and Catherine had four sons Daniel "the Liberator", Maurice Morgan, John of Grenagh, and Sir James of Lakeview, and six daughters Mary, Honora, Ellen, Bridgett, Alicia, and Catherine.

Maurice Morgan served in the Irish Brigade under his Uncle Count Daniel Charles O'Connell. John of Grenagh married Elizabeth Coppinger the daughter of William Coppinger, of Ballyvolane and Ballyscourt, Co. Cork. Daniel "the Liberator" married Mary O'Connell of the Tralee branch mentioned above. He inherited Derrynane Abbey from his Uncle Maurice "Hunting Cap" O'Connell. He had six sons Maurice, Morgan, Edward, John, Daniel Stephen, Daniel, and five daughters Ellen, Catherine "Saucy Kate", Elizabeth Mary "Betsy", Mary and Richarda.

Daniel "the Liberator" O'Connell's Family Tree

Daniel "the Liberator" O'Connell m. Mary O'Connell of Tralee

.....1 Maurice O'Connell m. Mary Francis Bindon Scoot

..........2 Daniel O'Connell m. Isabella Ellen Lawlor

...............3 Isabella Mary O'Connell

...............3 Kathleen O'Connell

...............3 Margaret Gertrude O'Connell

...............3 Eily Mary O'Connell

...............3 Frances Mary O'Connell

..........2 John Maurice O'Connell m. Mary McCarthy

...............3 Daniel Maurice O'Connell

...............3 Maurice Charles m. Emily O'Connell (of Milford Co. Cork)

....................4 Rev. John Maurice O'Connell

....................4 Daniel O'Connell

....................4 Maurice Richard O'Connell

....................4 Geoffrey O'Connell

....................4 Richarda O'Connell

..............3 Anna O'Connell m Alfred Kingsley

..............3 Mary O'Connell m Martyn Hooke

..............3 Kathleen O'Connell

..............3 Jane O'Connell m Timothy O'Mahony

..............3 Eileen O'Connell m Peter O'Rahilly

..........2 Fanny O'Connell

..........2 Mary O'Connell m. Daniel McCarthy

.....1 Morgan O'Connell m. Kate Mary Balf

.....1 Edward O'Connell

.....1 John O'Connell m. Elizabeth Ryan

..........2 Daniel John O'Connell

..........2 John O'Connell m. Mary Baldwin

..............3 John Henry O'Connell MD m. Mary Burke

...................4 John O'Connell

...................4 Donal (Brother Brendan, Marist Order) O'Connell

...................4 Morgan O'Connell

...................4 Hubert O'Connell m. Constance Williams

...................4 Margaretta O'Connell

...................4 Sheila O'Connell m. Major W. Hugh Harold

...................4 Nora O'Connell

..............3 Daniel John O'Connell (Seattle, WA USA) m. Elizabeth Leyne

..............3 Henry O'Connell

..............3 Margaret Mary O'Connell

..........2 Morgan John Joseph O'Connell

..........2 Elizabeth O'Connell m. James Sullivan

..........2 Mary O'Connell m. Andrew Nugent Comyn

..........2 Kathleen O'Connell m. Major Michael Joseph Balfe

.....1 Daniel Stephen O'Connell

.....1 Daniel O'Connell MP m. Ellen Mary Foster

.........2 Daniel John foster O'Connell

.........2 Maurice Francis Donal Benedict O'Connell

.........2 Geoffrey Owen Morgan O'Connell

.........2 Morgan McFarlane Francis Xavier O'Connell m. Kate Melcombe

..............3 Daniel Morgan O'Connell m. Phyliss Pinell

..............3 Maurice Cecil O'Connell m. Betty Farmer

..............3 Maureen O'Connell

..............3 Joan O'Connell

.........2 Edmund John Day O'Connell m. Helena Warburton

..............3 Norah O'Connell

..............3 Patricia O'Connell

..............3 Betty O'Connell

.........2 James O'Connell (an actor)

.........2 Eily Mary Foster O'Connell

.........2 Mary Kathleen Elisabeth O'Connell

.........2 Dorothy Margaret Mary O'Connell

.........2 Katherine O'Connell

.....1 Ellen O'Connell m. Christopher FitzSimmons

.....1 Catherine "Saucy Kate" O'Connell m. Charles O'Connell (of Ballybloun)

.....1 Elizabeth Mary "Betsy" O'Connell m. Nicholas Joseph French

.....1 Mary O'Connell

.....1 Rickarda O'Connell

Other notable O'Connells

The earliest is the Capuchin Father Robert O'Connell (c. 1621-1678). The first O'Connell to become a figure of national importance was One O'Connell from Co. Clare merits a place in the national roll of honor, Peter O'Connell (1775-1826) - described by Prof. T. F. O'Rahilly as "the best Irish scholar in the Ireland of a century ago." Many O'Connell scholars and clerics have been somewhat eclipsed by the soldiers and politicians. Father Daniel O'Connell, a kinsman of the "Liberator" and a Jesuit, is recognized internationally as an astronomer and seismologist.

O?Connells of Co. Cork

In addition to the genealogy of O?Connell family from Kerry, there is an alternate genealogy for the O?Connell families from Cork. Although, most O?Connells from Co. Cork can trace their heritage to the genealogy above, there was another Conaill in the line of Corc son of Luighad son of Oilill Flann Beag. This genealogy, however, has not been published.

O?Connells of Tuath na Dromun

Tuath na Dromun (also spelled toughnadromun and tognadromun) literally translates as the people (or district) of the ridge referring to the ridge above the Lee river where this area is located. Tuath na Dromun was an ancient Celtic area and Druid stronghold. It currently covers the parishes of Ballyvourney, Killnamartyr, and Clondrohid. This area lies 10 kilometers west of Killarney in county Cork and few kilometers east of Macroom along the Cork ? Killarney road. During 836, the Danes plundered Tuath na Dromun.

Tuath na Dromun centers on the Church of St. Lachtain, which dates back to the 6th century. After St. Lachtain?s death his hand was preserved since it supposedly had healing powers. For centuries afterwards, people came from long distances to be healed by St. Lachtain?s hand. Eventually, the church was destroyed in order to discourage pilgrimages and a new church was built called Cill na Martyr or church of the relic. This is where the current parish of Kilnamartyra receives its name.

There is a group of O?Connells from this area of Co. Cork that immigrated to the United States during the famine period. One of these O?Connells, Daniel O?Connell (b. 1838), was last heard from in Kilbourn, Wisconsin where my family settled. However, I have not been able to link my family with this group, although there is a possible connection. According to family stories, there is

another brother to Timothy, Morris and James O?Connell, who settled in the Dells area, named Daniel. I believe the Daniel noted above could have been the missing brother. Among these three brothers, there are discrepancies whether they are from Co. Kerry or Co. Cork. Since this area is along the Kerry ? Cork border, they could have claimed they were in either county depending on where they lived. Furthermore, related families, the Tangneys and Bresnahans, have traced

their ancestors to Killarney Parish that is also near this area.

This group includes a Hannah Connell who lived in Boston in 1859. She placed an advertisement in the Boston Pilot looking for two people. The first was Daniel Connell; aged 21 years that puts his date of birth in 1838, and the son of Jeremiah Connell of parish Toughnadromun. He was last heard from in Kilbourn Wisconsin in March 1858.

John O?Connell of Jersey City, New Jersey placed another advertisement looking for his cousins Timothy, William and Mary O?Connell. They were natives of Kilmichael parish, which is just south of Tuath na Dromun over the Lee river. Their mother was of the woods of that parish, and their father was of the O?Connells of Toughnadromun. Mary was a housekeeper to John Miner of Bailee, parish of Macroom, Co. Cork, and she was married to Con (usually short for Cornelius) Murphy. They were last heard from in Toronto, Canada.

Another person form this branch is Daniel O?Connell born 21 December 1802 near the village of Macroom. He was the eldest son of William and Lucy (or Sheila) O'Connell. It is reported that William O'Connell's mother was a distant relative of the O'Connell's of Derrynane and cared for Daniel "the Liberator" O'Connell's children. Daniel immigrated to the United States in October of 1851 and settled near Detroit, Michigan. He died in 1906 and his headstone notes that he is from Tognadromun.

O?Connells of the Dells (Adams County, Wisconsin)

The earliest related O?Connells that arrived in the United States include five that settled in Adams County Wisconsin near the City of Kilbourn also known as the Wisconsin Dells area. These families include Michael (b. 1802), Patrick (b.1804), Maurice (b. 1821), Timothy (b. 1826) and James (b. 1827). I believe that Maurice, Timothy and James are brothers, and Patrick is their first cousin. Michael is not a brother to Patrick and probably not to Maurice, Timothy and James either. His relationship is probably through his wife who is a sister to Timothy?s wife.

Another O?Connell family, which is not directly related, lived in Sauk county southwest of Kilbourn City. John O?Connell was born on 13 December 1823 on Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland. His parents were Lawrence O?Connell and Hannah Prindiville. John (b. 1823) immigrated to the United States in 1847 and purchased a farm north of Baraboo, Sauk County, Wisconsin in 1855. He was one of the original parishioners of St. Joseph parish in Baraboo.

John (b. 1823) was first married to Ellen Shay in Battleboro, Vermont on July 14, 1850. They had three children Anna, William Francis, and Ellen. Ellen Shay O?Connell died on January 14, 1862. John (b. 1823) married for a second time to Mary Ann Hackedt from Juneau County, who was the widow of John McCauley. William Francis (b. Jan 1854) married Ellen Holton of Dellona township on 24 February 1879. They moved to Malta, Montana where they settled.

In Marquette County, Wisconsin north of Adams County, three O?Connell brother?s lived: William O'Connell b.1852 in County Cork Ireland; Patrick O'Connell b. 8 Sept 1824 in County Cork, Ireland; Michael O'Connell b. 1828. They may be related to the O?Connells of Adams County, but there is no evidence to support the relationship.

William (b. 1852) married Ellen and they had seven children in Marquette Co., WI: Mary, Martin, Nell, DE, William L., D.L., and Catherine "Kate" O'Connell. Patrick married Ellen Reardon about 1851 in Herkimer Co., New York, and they had five children: Martin, Mary, Hannah, Ellen, and William (b. Nov 1859 in Buffalo Township, Marquette, WI). Michael O'Connell married Eliza and they had four children: Mary, John, Patrick, and Dennis.

The story of the Adams County group is that they emigrated from Ireland probably through the port near Tralee and landed in Boston around 1851 with several related families including the Shahan, Bresnahan, Tangney, Prindable, Costellos, and Sullivans. At this time, Chauncey Rose, a railroad magnate from Terre Haute, Indiana, sent a representative to Boston to buy two railroad engines and hire Irish laborers. He was building a railroad between Richmond, Indianapolis and Terre Haute Indiana. This group of immigrates were hired by Chauncey Rose?s agent and transported the new engines west through the state of New York where they boarded a barge at Buffalo. They road the barge south into a river and canals of Ohio. In Ohio, the group split into two. One group went to Cincinnati to start the eastern leg of the railroad, and the other group, which included our ancestors, went to Terre Haute to start the western leg of the railroad. This line eventually broke into two separate companies the Terre Haute Indianapolis and the Indiana Central.

The Terre Haute group built the railroad up to Indianapolis. During this time, they settled near Greencastle, Putnam Co., Indiana. Several members of this group were married and started families. However, this was not their final destination. Greencastle served as a junction between the Terre Haute ? Indianapolis Railroad and the Louisville, Indianapolis, and Chicago Railroad, commonly known as the Monon line. The Monon line traveled north of Greencastle and split into two legs one going towards Chicago and one going towards Michigan City. I am unsure if this group worked on or just traveled on the Monon line, but they did eventually travel north to Chicago and ultimately Milwaukee.

In Milwaukee, Bryon Kilbourn the city?s former mayor and railroad magnate had just been named president of a small railroad called the Milwaukee - Watertown line. The Terre Haute group was hired to work on this line. The line was extended to go all the way to LaCrosse, and re-chartered the Milwaukee - LaCrosse Railroad. The next destination after Watertown was Portage in Columbia, County. From Portage, the line extended west to the Wisconsin River in the township of Newport the western most part of Columbia County. The construction of this line was temporarily halted until they built a bridge over the Wisconsin River approximately 10 miles west of Portage in Newport. The residents of this area formed a town called Kilbourn City after Bryon Kilbourn the president of the Milwaukee - LaCrosse line. Some of the Irish work gangs did not continue with the railroad. Instead, they settled in New Haven and Dell Prarie townships in Adams County Wisconsin approximately 5 miles north of Kilbourn City. The area around Kilbourn City was more commonly referred to as the Dells, and currently called Wisconsin Dells. The name is derived from the beautiful rock formations, called Dalles in French, which lined the river at this point.

The closest parish to O?Connells was St. Cecilia in Kilbourn City first organized in 1859. The first structure was a wooden building. By 1903, the old wooden building was outgrown and a brick structure was built. In 1907, Rev. Nicholas Hanert took charge with 100 families in residence.

During this migration from Tralee to the Dells, several from the group were lost. There were five O?Connell brothers who emigrated together but only three settled in the Dells. One was reported to have stayed in Indiana, another went to Baltimore, and they were never heard from again. There are several O?Connell, Tangney, Bresnahan, and Sullivans in the Cincinnati area who are most likely related to the Terre Haute group. While Timothy (b. 1826) and Mary Shahan (b. 1829) O?Connell resided near Greencastle Indiana, they were married (probably at St. John?s in Indianapolis) and had two children Catherine born in 1852, and Daniel born approximately 1855.

The earliest ancestor of the O?Connell family, of which I am related, is Timothy O?Connell born in County Kerry, Ireland in 1826, and he married Mary Shahan (b. 1829) in 1852. Upon arriving in the Dells, Timothy bought a farm in Section 21 of New Haven Township. Timothy (b. 1826) and Mary (b. 1835) would have six more children. Mary Ann born 3 April 1857, Timothy born approximately 1861, Thomas born approximately 1863, Josephine born approximately 1865, Ellen "Nellie" born approximately 1867, and Michael born approximately 1869.

According to family stories, Timothy (b. 1826) was drafted into the Union Army and fought in the Civil War. Catherine (b. 1852), who was approximately 9 years old at the time, recalls that a man came to the door and took her father away. Timothy?s other daughter Mary (b. 1835) remarked that she could have killed the man who took her father away. He served with the 51st Wisconsin Infantry from Milwaukee but was never mobilized into action. A few months after he was drafted the Civil War ended and he returned home. Upon his return, he resumed farming until he contracted tuberculoses in 1877. Timothy (b. 1826) died on 19 March 1877. Within a few years after Timothy?s death, the family farm was sold to the Gaffney family who owns it to this day.

Patrick O?Connell, a first cousin to Timothy (b. 1826), also settled in the Kilbourn City area. Patrick was born in County Cork Ireland in 1802 the son of Daniel O?Connell. He emigrated in 1856 and was not part of the migration through Indiana. Upon arriving in the Dells, he settled a large parcel of property in Dell Prarie. He attempted to acquire the property but thought that $1,000 was too much to be in debt so he acquired a smaller parcel. In 1861, Patrick bought forty-six and a half acres in Dell Prairie Township, Adams County that was owned by the family until the 1980?s. Patrick would marry Bridgett Glavin. They had nine children including Mary (b. 1853), Bridget (b. 1857), Daniel (b. 1864), Michael (b. 1867), Agnes (b. 1868), John (b. 1869), Hattie (b. AFT 1870), Catherine (b. AFT 1870), and a child who died at birth.

Maurice O?Connell (the named is also spelled Morris) was born in 1828 in County Cork Ireland. Although he was born in County Cork, I believe him to be a brother to Timothy O?Connell (b.1826) born in County Kerry. Maurice was born to well-to-do parents. He was part of the group that migrated through Indiana where he meets and marries Ellen Tangney. Ellen was born in County Kerry. They had eight children including Catherine born 1856, Timothy born 1858, Mary Ann born 11 December 1860 in Dell Prarie, Elizabeth born 1864 in Dell Prarie, David born 1866, James Patrick born 28 April 1868 in Dell Prarie, Margaret born 1872 in Dell Prarie, and Daniel born 1879 in Dell Prarie. Morris served with his brother Timothy (b. 1826) in the 51st Wisconsin Infantry. He died the 28 August 1895 and buried in Calvary Cemetery, Kilbourn, Wisconsin.

James O?Connell was born in 1827 in County Cork. I believe he is the third brother of Timothy and Morris who settled in Adams County Wisconsin. He married a Bridgett Clark and had three children Timothy born 1863, Catherine born 1865, and Mary (also called Marietta) born 1867. James, upon arriving in the Dells, lived on property purchased by and adjacent to his brother Morris. Bridgett would pass away in the Dells and buried in Calvary Cemetery. James moved to Ward Indiana with his daughter Marietta. He died in Indiana and buried in the Catholic cemetery in Lebanon, Indiana.

Michael O?Connell was born in 1800 in Ireland. His parents were J. O?Connell and Honora Manning. I do not believe that he is a brother to Timothy, Morris and James because he is over twenty years older than they are, and he is buried in a different section of Calvary Cemetery. The families of the three brothers are all buried to together in Calvary Cemetery in Wisconsin Dells. Although this family is probably related through the Shahan family. Michael (b. 1800) married Ellen Shahan (b. 1826). Ellen is probably a sister to Mary Shahan (b. 1829) who married Timothy O?Connell (b. 1826). Furthermore, his parents are different from Patrick (b. 1802), therefore he is probably not directly related to Patrick (b. 1802). Two of his children were born in Indiana, which indicates that he was part of the Indiana migration. Michael and Ellen had four children including Timothy born 1849, Patrick born 1851, Catherine born 1852, and Daniel born 1853.

Second Generation: O?Connells of the Dells

Catherine (b. 1852), daughter of Timothy (b. 1826), was never married. She inherited property from her grandfather Timothy Shahan at 1023 Bowman street in the town of Kilbourn City and lived there until her death in 1940. Although, she never married, she helps raise her niece Stella Hayes who eventually inherited the same property and lived there with her husband Stanley Leo Gavinski.

Daniel (b. 1855), the son of Timothy (b. 1826), would marry Anna Thorensen (b. 1858). They had one child Timothy James O?Connell born 10 October 1879. Daniel (b. 1855) would buy his own farm in Section 9 of New Haven Township. Soon after Timothy (b. 1879) was born, Anna (b. 1858) passed away in 1880 and is interned at Calvary Cemetery in Kilbourn. Daniel (b. 1855) would remarry to Margaret Berg from Sherry Wisconsin near Stevens Point. Margaret was the widow of Elmer Berg and had two children Elmer Berg Jr. and Edna Berg Fosterling. Tragedy would hit the O?Connell family when Daniel (b. 1855) took his own life on April 3, 1905, on his farm. The newspaper account did not speculate why he took his life except the family is quoted as they thought he was deranged.

Mary Ann (b. 1857) would marry James Hayes of Dellona, Sauk County, Wisconsin. Josephine was also married, but moved to North Dakota where she died.

Timothy (b. 1861) married Annie UNKNOWN (born April 20, 1866). They had one child James W. O?Connell who was born September 25, 1889. The following month Annie died on October 21, 1899, and the following year James (b. 1889) died on January 20, 1899. Timothy would remarry to Mary Cooper from Dublin, Ireland on October 29, 1904. Timothy (b. 1861) died in 1925 and is buried next to his sister Catherine in Calvary Cemetery, Kilbourn City, and Wisconsin.

Ellen (b. 1867) married a man with the surname of Bauer. She died on December 23, 1908. Michael (b. 1869) married Mary Golden (b. 1872). He died in 1928 and was buried next to Mary (b. 1872), who died in 1963, in Calvary Cemetery.

Thomas (b. 1862) married Margaret Donoahue (b. 1863) in 1893 and lived in Dell Prairie next to the property owned by Patrick O?Connell, the first cousin of Timothy (b. 1826). They would have four children Thomas Elmer born in 1894, Timothy Raymond born 1895, Philip Roscoe born on August 3, 1896, and Anastasia Marie born 1899. Margaret (b. 1863) would pass away in 1922, and Thomas (b. 1862) would pass away on February 17, 1937. An interesting story was first reported a Kansas newspaper and later recounted in the Mirror Gazette, the newspaper in the Wisconsin Dells area, on 25 April 1896. The story goes that five men N.O. Tofson, Ole Tofson, Will Tofsen Jens Anderson, and Emmet Peterson attended a party at Tom O?Connell?s home. As the men were returning home, they had beads of electricity in their hair and beards. Also, a bluish light streamed from their fur coats. The meaning or reason of this story is unknown.

Michael (b. 1869) married Mary Golden (b. 1872) and owned a farm. Michael (b. 1869) died in 1928 without having children. Mary (b. 1872) died in 1963. Michael?s sister Anna (b. 1858) dies at the age of 22 in 1880 without having children.

Bridgett (b. 1857), daughter of Patrick (b. 1802), worked as a maid at the New Hall House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She died after jumping from a third story window during a fire.

John M. (b. 1871), son of Patrick, married Helen Bresnahan (b. 1879) and they had three children John, Stella born 1903, and Alma.

Daniel (b. 1864), son of Patrick, married Anna Holihan, and they had four children Mildred Francis, Margaret, Joseph Harold, and Earl.

Michael (b. 1867) was affectionately called "The Broom Stick" since he made his living making broomsticks. He died in 1927 walking up Galitz Hill of a heart attack on Thanksgiving Eve going to a relative?s home.

The remaining daughters of Patrick (b. 1802) married and moved to other parts of the country. Hattie (b. AFT 1870) married and moved to Las Vegas Nevada where she died living with her son. Kate (b. AFT 1870) married a Bresnahan and moved to Seattle Washington. Mary (b. 1853) married a Carter and moved to Portage Wisconsin where she died in 1928. Agnes (b. 1868) married a Laird and had one son Thomas.

Timothy (b. 1863), the son of James (b. 1829), is not heard from at all. Mary (b. 1865) would marry Thomas Connor and move to Indiana. Marietta (b 1867) at the age of 16 (circa 1883) worked as a chambermaid in Milwaukee until she returned home to marry her Aunt Mary Shahan O?Connell?s nephew Patrick Shahan (b. 1859).

Third Generation: O?Connells of the Dells

Timothy Raymond (b. 1895), son of Thomas (b. 1862) was drafted in World War I and died in battle in Alsace, France in 1921.

Timothy (b. 1879), Daniel?s Son, took over his father?s farm in New Haven. He married Nellie Holton (b. 1881), of Sauk County, Wisconsin on 29 Oct 1904. They would have 7 children Ann (Date of Birth unknown), Charles (date of birth unknown), Lawrence (Date of birth unknown), Florence (Date of birth unknown), Walter (born 3 Dec 1910), Marion (born 20 Nov 1911), and Gerald (born 25 Nov 1922). Gerald Richard O'Connell who was born on November 25, 1922 and baptized at St. Cecelia's Church in the Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Timothy (b. 1879), who was affectionately called "Fat Tim", would move to Maywood, Illinois where he worked as a machinist for the Railroad. On 5 May 1934, Timothy (b. 1879) would die at Cook county Hospital of pneumonia. Nellie (b. 1881) would also pass away at Belmont Hospital on 18 Sept 1945.

Submitted by Gerald O'Connell, December 1999.

Web Resources:

Genforum - http://genforum.genealogy.com/oconnell/