References

Michael was born in Ring in County Waterford.

We think Old Parish on June 12, 1855. His parents were Michael Connell and Johanna Welch Connell (Michael Sr's father was Patrick and is buried in St. Mary's Cemetary, Newburyport, MA) 

As a lad it is thought that Michael Jr. along with his other family members: Welch, Roach, Hamilton's were all fishermen* in The Ring Area I've seen records naming (Ballynagaul as an address for cousins Robert Hamilton and Mary Roache's marriage of Sep. 4, 1853.)  Stories were that he was severely beaten by tax collectors, which was the catalyst for the Connell family to leave for America from Cobh, Co. Cork to join other family members. 

Michael Jr. arrived in Newburyport, Massachusetts (via Boston) on The shep "Delaware" Nov. 20, 1865.  Other family branches left Ring prior to 1862. He worked as a laborer on Knight's Farm in Newbury, MA. That farm is now called: "The Tenderleaf Farm" Rte 1A.  Michael then worked 7 years as an apprentice comb maker, then master comb maker as well as a pugilist.  Michael then opened Michael O'Connell's and Son Laster House at 5 Market Sq., Newburyport, MA and ran it until America's Prohibition of Alcohol.  Michael's siblings were:  Julia, Patrick, and Katherine.  Michael and family went to Newburyport Superior Court, renounced forever, all alligence and fidelity particularly to Victoria Queen on  the second Monday of May, 1877........Michael Connell will now be Michael O'Connell.  Records show the family using Connell in 1870 census. They all changed name to O'Connell after that. 

Michael was active in The Irish Foresters now called The Irish TIARA's.  

Ancestry Interactive information

Additional Information
Date of Birth 1st Jun 1855 VIEW SOURCE
Date of Death 1st Oct 1938
Mother (First Name/s and Maiden) Michael O'Connell, Sr.

Comments

  • just a quick comment. I have a Ring Blog on the go. You can access it at www.ringcowaterford.blogspot.com. Contact me any time, would love to hear from you.

    Eddie

    Eddie.cantwell@gmail.com

     

    Eddie Cantwell, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Wednesday 20th May 2020 08:55AM
  • Hello Eddie......I tried to meet you at The Museum when wife Lori McGrath O'Connell and I was in Dungarvan along with other McGraths.  I was so sad when I was told you were not there that day.  About 10 years ago you told me that my Great Grandfather was "Connell"....when living in Ring during the 1850's...I never knew that BUT researched and found the records where the name was indeed without O' on 1850 and 1860"s records.  I have the record where Michael...took back the appostrophe.....His other Connell family members also regained their O'.....Tomorrow...We travel to "THE IRISH Cemetary "St. Mary's in Newburyport, MA to take care of my Ring family's burial plots for Welch, Roach, Hamilton, O'Connell.  It was nice to see your posting.   By The Way......Irish are now allowed to be burried within the City Limits of Newburyport, MA.....times have changed (Giggling.)  Stay safe and God bless.

     

    Mark O'

    Saturday 23rd May 2020 12:19AM

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