Dominick and Honora (Jennings) Moran, Mayo to Illinois

As far as I know, Dominick and Honora (Jennings) Moran were the first of my Irish ancestors to have ventured away from their homeland in County Mayo to begin a new life in the U.S. I've often wondered what mitigating factors made them want to leave. Famine maybe, but it was a little early for that. Unfair laws, taxes, politics, religion, land disputes or wars? Or were they just spirited folk looking for adventure? I can't imagine leaving my home and heritage behind forever! They must have had so many questions and thoughts. What should or would they be permitted to take with them? How would they say goodbye to family, friends and homeland? What perils would they face on the ocean? Sickness? Pirates? The uncertainties facing them once they arrived in the United States must have been overwhelming knowing that this country had just gained its independence from Britain a mere 65 years earlier! Did they know they were coming to Illinois because they had friends or family already here? I wish I knew those answers, but since I don't, I can tell you a little about them after their arrival.

They arrived about 1838-1839 with their daughters, Mary C. and Catherine. In the 1840 census, Dominick is shown in Cook County, Summit Precinct. In 1841 he purchased 80 acres of land for $1.25 per acre, in Lake County, IL. The land, about a mile north of the 5 Points, was labeled a slue but they developed it enough to build a log cabin and begin farming. Research indicates that 2 of their girls, Catherine and Margaret, died before marrying. John lived in MO and has yet to be found. One child adopted a child, and the other 2 children bore them 18 grandchildren.

Up until recently, I believed my only connection to the Atkinson family was by the marriage of my father's sister to an Atkinson. It's come to light that my maternal grandfather's Godfather was Matthew Atkinson, and that Matthew's Grandmother's maiden name was Moran and lived on the farm next to Dominick's. It may be that I am related to the Atkinsons via my mother and father. Perhaps more digging will give us the answers! Dominick was born about 1808 and died Sep 21, 1889. His wife, Honora (Jennings) was born about 1814 and died in 1853; both are buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waukegan, IL.

Children of Dominick Moran and Honora Jennings are

1. Mary C. Moran, born 9 Sep 1834 in County Mayo, Ireland; died 2 Nov 1889 in Lake County, IL.

2. Catherine J. Moran, born abt 1838 in County Mayo, Ireland; died 3 May 1876 in Lake County, IL

3. Bridget E. Moran, born 25 Jan 1842 in Shields Township, IL; died 5 Jan 1899 in Waukegan, IL.

4. Edward F. Moran, born 17 Mar 1844 in Shields Township, Lake County, IL; died 24 Apr 1929 in Waukegan, IL.

5. John Moran, born abt 1847 in Shields Township, Lake County, IL; died in Missouri

6. Margaret Agnes Moran, born 31 Aug 1849 in Shields Township, IL; died 3 Aug 1877 in Shields Township, IL.

Return to Other Morans II >