October 1987 The McGovems

1liE Me GOVERNS Of HOCKESSINby Donn Devine

Page 25

The McGovern! of HockessIn, Delaware, are mentioned In local histories aslII10ng the early famllles of that 19th-century clay-quarrying community, andtheir Imprint remains In the names of McGovern Road and of businesses carriedal by descendants. Todays McGoverns might readily have misidentified theirthree Immigrant male ancestors as "three brothers who came to America" soOOrtlmon In many famJly accounts, but one ltvlng granddaughter preserves thetradition that they were In fact cousins, whleh Is consistent with thedocumentary evidence.. f-bwever t their exact relationships have not beendetermined, nor has a record or memory of their place of origin In I reiand beenpreserved.

The Hockessin McGoverns' experience Is qUite representative of the pattern ofearly famlne..,ra Irish Immigration to the Ullted States--unmarrled young men orwomen from the same small Carmtng community, often In Uts ter, coming alone orsometimes In pairs to a single locality In America. Here they continued whattheir non-l rlsh neighbors called their "clannish connections" and attractedothers bound by the same ties, In many cases paying for the later passage ofsiblings or parents with money sent back from their meager earnings. Theirattitude of contInuing responsibility toward the family and community they hadleft was In marked contrast to the Individualism of contemporary Immigrantsfrom other cultures like the English and Ge~an, and which critics of the IrishconsIdered a value better suited to America.

The Hockessin area. however, was very untyplcal of the usual Irish-Americansettlement, because It offered both Industrial and agricultural opportunities todie newcomers. The limestone quarrIes and, after 1872, the "clay pits" (kaolinquarries) of the area, whJch were the economic base for Hockessin's growth anddevelopment, provided the unskIlled Industrial Jobs the Immigrants needed onarrival. AvailabIlIty of reasonably priced farm land In the Immediate area gavethem an early opportunity to return to theIr tradItional farming pursuits withoutdisrupting the family and community ties that sustained them during thetr flrstyears In Amerlca.3

The result was a community cohesion among the Irish of fbckessln that lastedfrom the mid-19th century until World War ". As will be seen, the McGovernsand their close neighbors the Laffer ties bought farmland In the area, probably assoon as saVings from their wages permitted. and several generations cont1nue~

farming until 20th ceotury suburbanlzatlon of the area overtook them. In spiteof this unusual stabUJty in one location. however, today's McGoverns, likedescendants of most famlnerera Irish immigrants, have no records or tradJtlonsof their ancestors' place of orIgIn In Ireland, and only one branch has preserveda Bible record of vital events after arriving In the U.S.

The Hockessin McGoverns are so typical of the broader patterns of Irishmigration that the family provides a cas&-study In the micro-demographics of the

Page 26 Delaware Genealogieal SocietyJoumal•

Vol. 4

famIne era.. Their story-pJeced together from census, land, church, andcemetery records and vital records registrations, with help from severaldescendants--shows how readily Irish-American families may be traced throughthe sources commonly used in American genealogy. The name McGovern and thetwo maternal family names Identified are less corrunon ones, so it was alsolXlsslble to pinpoint the family's probable place of origin In [reland. The"Householder Index" to the family names [n Griffith's Valuation, the 1848-02 landassessment of Ireland, was used to locate the one place where all the family andgiven names of parents occur together--the Parish of Desertmartin, near

4Drapers town , In Derry, now one of the six counties of f\brthern Ireland.

The ~k'essln McGovern! descend from three couples representing fourImmigrant McGovern ancestors--Edward McGovern (ca 1835-1921) and his wifeSarah Hagan (1838-1896); John F. McGovern (1837-1906) and his wife Catherine(1837-1912), also a McGovern by birth; and Daniel McGovern (1849-1928) andIjs wife louisa Denning (1855-1934). [n addition, ties to the family of JohnJ, McGovern lca 1833-1912) of WIlmington and his wife Marla (ca 1840-1908) aresuggested gy their cemetery lot adjoining Edward's [n Cathedral Cemetery,Wilmington.

Earliest /"lcGoverns In Hockessin

The first McGoverns of record In what Is now the I-kK:kessln area wereDaniel, laborer, and EJlza, who appear In the 1850 U.S. Census, age 30 and 20respectively, with Mary Ann, age I, and a John Shayary [?J age 60, also alaborer, living with them, all except Mary Ann having been born In Ire[and. Theywere IJI the house next to John and Mary Lafferty, both 32 and also Irish, andtheir five children, ages 4 to 10. This Daniel McGovern Is probably the Daniel,age 49, "works In Lhne Quarry,· recorded In the household of WIlliam McDo~ell

In the 1870 Census, but nothJng more is known about him or any descendants.

Four houses further on, In the household of John G. Jackson, leading citizenof lixkesstn, developer of Its Jlmestone quarries and kUns and later chiefengIneer of the WIlmington and Western RaIlroad, was a David [or Daniel]McGovern, 50, quarryman, born in Ireland,. forerunner of other McGoverns whoIn future censuses wOUld be found 8S dcmesUcs In the Jackson home, but he hasnot been Identified, and no further record of him has been found. 7

Although the Irish origins of the McGovern and Lafferty famJlles listed In 1850aren't known, their adjoinIng dweJllngs anticipate the future closeness, Inhousing, marriage, and eventually burial, among later arrivals of those names,and strongly suggests famtly connections. Even earlier, 8 Dan Lafferty waslisted In 1827 as one of the Ii pew holders In the newly enlarged (to 14 pews)Catholic church at Coffee Run.

The later-arrivIng famlly of James and Mary (Rogers) Lafferty were todevelop the closest associations with the McGoverJ's. From the birth dates andplaces of their chlIdren, they immigrated ca 1865-71, settling In Kaolin, Justacross the Pennsylvania line from John F. McGovern's farm at Southwood. They'orlglnated like the McGoverns In tbe Draperstown area. James was the son of

I

October 1987 The McGovems Page 27(

Patrick and Mary (Conners) Lafferty. of Keenaght townland In the small civilparish of Kilcronaghan, within the same Roman Catholic parish of Desertmartinwhere the McGoverns probably orlginated.9

The famUles of James Lafferry and of his brother MIchael Lafferry. whoarrived ca 1872-73 with his wife Mary Magdalen (Kelly) and first chUd Peter andalso lived In KaoUn, were representative of a less common post-faminelmmlgratlon 18attern-famllles wIth ~hUdren comIng as a group. rather thanIndivIdually.

No record of the other McGoverns lis ted In the 1850 Census has been foundeIther In New Castle Counry or adjoining Chester Counry PA. and there are nogravestones recorded for them at Coffee Run cemetery In the WPA HistoricRecords Survey. made In 1939. The Lafferty family. without Mary. appears In1860 In the same relationshIp to the Jackson house.

Progenltors of Present-Day McGoverns

E:dward McGovern came to the U.S. In 1853 and John F. McGovern thefollowing year. according to the 1900 Census. E:dward Is undoubtedly theEdward, age 15, accompanied by Mergt, age 12, both listed without occupationsas arriving In Philadelphia on the ship Tuscarora from Uverpool. probably viaDerry, on 12 March 1853. John may be the John. listed as age 13 although hisaetual age would have been 17, who arrived on the Tonawanda 24 April 1854.since no other John Is found In the PhUdelphla Index for that year. 11

Catherine Mc Govern also came to the U.S. In 1854. according to the 1900Census; she may be the Catherine, no age or occupation Hsted, who arrived onthe Wyomlnll. on 24 Oct 1854. On II Nov 1855. she and John McGovern werewitnesses when Edward McGovern married Sarah Hagan, prob8blYl~t St. Mary's,Coffee Run. although recorded at St. Joseph's-<ln-the-Brandywlne.

The log church of St. Mary of the Assumption at Coffee Run. Delaware's nrstCatholic parish. became a missIon of St. Joseph's-<ln-the-Brandywlne In 1841.Attended by priests from that parish. It was the church of the [rlsh quarry""rkers of HockessIn until St. PatrIck's at Ashland was established In 1880. andSt. John's In Hoekessln. originally as a mission of Ashland, In 1882. Records ofthe preseot St. Mary's of the Assumption parish. Hoekessln. begin in 1881. wIththe openIng of St. Patrlck's.13

Catherine McGovern marrIed John F. McGovern on 19 Sep 1861. also probablyat Coffee Run although recorded at St. Joseph's-on-th~Brandywlne. EdwardMcGovern and "Catherine McGovern.· who has not been Identified but Is perhapsan error (or Sarah, Edward's wtfe, were witnesses. No dispensation Is noted,so Joh,i relationship to Catherine must have been more distant than secondcousin.

She Is almost certaInly the Catherine McGovern recorded. age 20. togetherwith Mary McGovern, also age 20, in the 1860 census as servants in the JohnG. Jackson household. with her future husb8nd John McGovern. 23. aquarryman. boarding with the MIchael McKenna family only five dwellings away

P:lge 28 Delaware Genealogical SocietyJournal Vol. 4

from the Jackson house; the- Lafferty house. two houses from JaCkson's, isbetween. N::>te, however, the slight Inconsistency with Catherine's age as.reported In 1870, when both she and John are Usted as age 33, and in 1880 as43. 15

John F. McGovern also had a sister Ann, known from famlly tradition but notIdentified in records, who married and moved to California, but was never heardfrom arter the San Francisco earthquake and was presumed a victim by thefamlly. Jnhn F. McGovern's cemetery lot at Ashland is shared with his Laffertyand Baldwin sons-tn-law; aJJ three names are on 8 large central monument. 16

Among the other seven boarders Usted In the McKenna household in 1860 wasanother Jo~n McGovern, quarryman, age 25 (perhaps the John J. McGovern bornca 1833 who later lived In Wilmington, but possibly a duplicate entry for the firstJohn Usted) and Daniel McGovern, 17, teamster. He Is probably the sameDaniel, age 23, who was a blacksmith in Red Lion Village, Red LIon Hundred, In1870 and who married In 1871 (bond dated 25 March) louisa Denning, daughterof Michael Denning, Irish-born shopkeeper of Red Lion, Village, Red LIonI-klndred, and his wife Bridget. Daniel and louisa remained In Red Lion until1884, when Louisa purchased a lot In HockessIn for $140. 17 , 18

Although Daniel, blacksmith and husband of louisa, was 23 In 1870 and born InAug 1849 accordIng to the 1900 Census, and so four to six years younger thanDonlel the teamster as reported in 1860, such a conflict with the Informationgiven the 1860 census-taker about a workIng child boarder would not beunusual-partlcularly wben John's possible duplicate entry with different ages Isfound In the same Ust of boarders. As noted in the 1900 Census, Danlers age50, Aug 1849 birthdate, 1856 immigration and 44 years residence In theU.S. would place his age on arrival at seven. 19

WhIle no direct evidence for a relationshIp of the Hockessin McGoverns toJohn J. McGovern of WilmJngton has been found, such a relationship might beInferred from the fact that Edward and John J. bought adjoining cemetery lots Inthe then recently opened New Cathedral Cemetery In WilmJngton--John J. to burya 24-year-old daughter who died In 1893, Edward to bury his wife Sarah In 1896,as noted In the cemetery records cited earlier. Most other Hockessin

•McGoverns (inclUding one chlld of Edward, his son Edward S.) are burled inSt. Patrick's Cemetery, Ashland-Including Daniel and Louisa, who had removedto Kennett Square PA-

I rlsh Origins

According tll, their death certificates, the parents of the immIgrant McGovernswere as follows:

Edward McGovern-John McGovern and Nancy McElwee; John, undoubtedly thefather of Edward, appears In Edward's household In 1880 as a laborer, age 70,born in 1reland. Edward probably brought both his mother and father to the

•U.S. between 1870 and 1877; the gravestone of Nancy McGovern, died 4 Mar1877 age 55 years, was recorded In the WPA 1938 survey of Coffee Runcemetery. Her age, however, may be understated, since it places her bIrth

•

..... ..~ ....... ..,. _..-

24John J. McGovern (of Wllmlngton)-Fergus W.cGovern and Catherine __•

only 16 years befor~Oher son Edward's birth date of January 1839, as recordedIn the 1909-Census.

John F. McGovern--Neal McGovern and Alice , father's name confirmed In1869 deed from James C. Jackson to "John McGovern of the same [Mill Creek!

21Hundred son of Neely McGovern."

Catherine McGovern--Phlllp McGovern and Annie ",.cGuckln.22

Daniel McGovern (b. 1849)-John 1I<lcGovern and Sarah __.23

,

The Index prepared by the National LIbrary of Ireland for surnames InGriffith's Primary Valuation of the Lands and Tenallents of Ireland. sometimescalled the "H>useholder Index," provides 8 means for zeroing in on 8 small areawhere all the family names Identified may occur. The valuation of County Derrywas made In 1859, so the likelihood of finding the parents as occupants of realestate Is high. The names McGovern, ~1cGuckln and McIlwee are not among themore common Irish surnames, and they occur together only tn the parish ofDesertmartln, where 5 to 18 of each are found, along with Hagans and oneLafferty; additional McGucklns, Hagans, and Laffertles are found In the adjoiningcivil parish of Kllcronaghan, which Is part of Desertmartln Roman CathoJkcparish. The old Hockessin family name of Gormley Is also found In the parish.

Among occupants of the 40 holdings In TIrgan town/and are found Neal, Johnand Phlllp McGovern--names of three of the known fathers of the lnunlgrants-aswell as four other McGoverns-Brldget, Patrick, Daniel and Bernard-and fourMcllwee families. While there are no McGucklns In TIrgan, 13 are found In theimmediately surrounding townlands, along with six more McGoverns, includinganother Neal, and three McIlwees.

Of the known McGovern parents, only Fergus and one John--probably Daniel'sfather-are not found In TIrgan, and both identifIed maternal surnames can befound there or close by; the evidence strongly points to TIrgan as the Irishhome of the McGoverns of Hockessin.

next issue w1ll smmnarlze what Is nowDaniel McGovern, together with their

theand

(The concluding Installment Inknown about Edward, John F.,children and grandchildren.) N=I. Rev. Anthony F. DiMichele et al., Coffee Run 1772·1960 (Hockessin: 1960), pp. 32-33 (hereaher

Coffee Run); C. ~ Weslager. 100 Yeer, Along Old Public ROlle!, In Mill Creek Hundred. NewCastle CountY. Del. (Wilmington: H1.,torlc Red Clay Valley, Inc., 1960), p. 22; Joseph R. Lake,Jr., Hocleuln - A Pictorial Huory (Hockeuin: Bicentennial Conunlulon. 1976). pp. 143. 151;Interview. with Sarah Mc:Covern Smith, Wl.lmlngton. DE, 9 Mar 1980 and 23 Feb 1987.

2. Kerby A. Miller. Einlsrants and Eilles, Ireland Bnd the Irish Exodus to l'«:Irth America (NewYork: Oxford lhiv. Prest, 1985). p. 273 and AppendiX, Table. 4, II, 12 and 14; Hasla R. Diner,Erin', DaUBjhters In America lBeldmore: Johns l'bpklnl Urlv. Preas, 1983), pp. 36-37.

3. J. Thoma. Scharr. History of Delaware 1609~1383. (18M; repro Port Wuhlngton N.Y.: Kennlkec.Press 1972), pp. 927. 929 (bereefter Scharf).

<t. National library of Ireland, Index to Surnames of Householders In Griffith's PrimarY Valuationand TIthe Aeplotment Books, typescript (Dublin: 1969); Sir Richard Griffith, Primary Valuation 0(

the Lands and Tenements or Ireland (Dublin: 134&-1864). hereafter Griffith's Valuation, bothrepro 1973 In mJcroflche by Irish Microforms, Dublin.

5. Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington, DE, Burial Records, Sect. &-B. Lots 31 and 33. In cemetery•

Page 30 Ds:laware Genealogical SocietyJournal VoL 4

6. 1850 U.S. Cen.u., l'eW' Ca.tle County. DE, Po 3SO (Mill Creek I-bndred), dw. 70. 71. NationalArchive. Microfilm M-432 Roll 53 (hereafter 1850 Cen.us); 1870 U.S. Census, New CastleCounty, DE. p.600, dw. 6-42, Nltlonal Archive. Microfilm M-S93. Roll 120 (hereafter 1870Cen.usl.

7. 1850 Cen.us, p. 3SO, dw. 75i Scharf. pp. 928·930.

8. Coffee Run, p. 29.

9. Mildred Ha.ke. AnNpoll. MD, Lafferty family lenealoclu. unpublished COfI"IIlunlcation to author.

clUne OesertmlinJn parish re&J.tera. with copies cI certlflcete. luued 1981. and DraperstownDlltrlct dum rellUtluon•• with photocopied utrecu.

10. Hilke, Ibid.; Miller ••upr., p. 352.

11. 1900 U.S. Census, Ne.... CaatJe County, DE. Subdlvblon 27. FnumeratJon District 5-4. Mill CreekJi.lndred, Sheec: 9, NKlona) Archive. MJcrollbn T123 lherufter 1900 Census); Index toPhiladelphia Pau8ncer Anlval Record•• 1800·1906. on Niltlonal ArchlYe. Microfilm M·360.

12. 1900 Cen.u•• supra; Marrlaae AeaJster In church otnce, St. Joseph's-<ln-the·8randywlne C81hoUeChurch. Creenvllie DE. certificate 111 poueuton 01 author.

13. Coffee Run, p. 32; Diocese d Wllminlton. C81holk: Directory 1918, p. 97; letter. Rev. J. runelsMcOonouah. pastor. St. MIirY d the Auumpdoo Church, to author. 9 Aua 1977.

14. Mlrrlaae Repster, St. Joseph's,~ certine-te In pouenlon of author.

15. 1860 U.S. Census, New C.. t1e County. DE. p. 305. ctw. 28, 30, 33, National Archive, MicrofilmM~53 Roll 97 (hereafter JS60 Censu.); 1870 Cen.u., p. 595 line II; 1830 U.S. Censu., NewCastle CountY. DE. P. 138 dw. 25, National Archive. M1cronbn T-9 Roll 117 (hereafter 1880Census ).

16. &lrah McGovern Smith. supra; aravenone, St. Patrlclt's cemetery. Ashland. (Note that theTatnall tombstone record transcription 111 the Delaware Hall of Record. Incorrectly record••on

John J. McGovern, <!Jed 1 Dec 1897, as "II&e 81-ln.tead of 31 as It appear. oa the monument.)

17. 1860 Censu•• p. 234 (Red Lion Hundred) dw. 609; 1870 Census. p.627 dw. 28 (Red lion Vlllagel;p. 713 dw. 471 (Red lion HeI., PO Delaware City); SoundeJ. Inde,,; to 1880 Census, NationalArchives Microfilm T-741 (hereafter 1880 Soundexl. Red lion Village Sheet 2 Line 43; Indenturedated 23 Jul 1884 between William B. Jackson of Hockenln. Mill Creek ~".Lndred and Louisa A.DennJng of the same place for 8 3/10 acre lot on the south side of the Lancaster Pike at Kent'stane, New Castle County Deed Record (hereafter Deed Ree.) ~13 p. 206 In Office of Recorder ofDeeds for New Castle County, W1lmlnaton DE.

18. AJthough Louisa'. 1934 death certlncate (4 Sep 1934. PA 182879), for which her son Edward wa.Informant, lI,ts James Denney (sic) and Emma 8. Powell as her parents, It I. clear from censusrecord. that her father wa. Michael DeMlne; her mother was varlou.ly Brlgget In 1860. E'1nma In1870, and Brld&;et In 1880. when she appears a. mother-In-law In DanJel and lout.a's householdwith her YOWlle.t children lI.ted a. -sl.ler In law· and 'brother In law ll to Daniel; It Isrea.onable to conclude- th. her maiden name wa. Finma 8rldl;et Powell. In 1870, DanielMcGovern, stili unmarried. wa. re.ldtns In Red Lion YllIale with the famUy of a Jame. Dennina.who may have beenJ brot.ber of Michael. and wife Mary. Mlchae" early death, and the knowledl;eof some femlly relatlon.hlp to Jame•• may have led to the erroneous Information provided for thedeath certlne.te.

19. 1860 and uno Censu., .uprai Soundex IndeJ: to 1900 Censu., National Archives Microfilm T-I037(hereafter 1900 SoundeJ:l. hili Creek Hd. Sheet 9.

20. Death Certtf•• Edward McCovern Sr•• 30 Aua: 1921, DeL '2067; 1880 Cen.us p. 139 dw. 26;...toric Records Survey. WPA, -Inventory of ••• Coffee Run Cemetery •••-, to1ay 1939.type.crlpt til Hall of Record•• Dover DE., '35.

21. Death CerUf., John r. McGoverll, 2 Mar 1906, Del. 173611; Deed Ree. D-9, p. 196.

22. Death CerUf•• Catherine McGovern. 22 Feb 1912, Del. 171."

23. Death CerUf•• Daniel 8. McGovern, 7 Mly 1927. ".. 150800.

2-4. Death Certlr., John J. McGovern, 25 Mlr 1912. Del. '86629

25. I'bte 4••upra.

I

\

•April 1988 The McGoverns

TIlE Me GOVERNS OF HOCKESSINby Donn Devine

(continued from Vol. 4 No.2)

Page 49

Genealogical publication has two advantages, other than the obvious one ofpreserving and disseminating the results of research. First. It may bring newdata sources to light, and second. It lets the author correct erroneousconclusions. based on either the new data or sound criticism by otherlIOnealoglsts. Part I of this article In the last Issue has already produced boththese beneficial effects.

"" a result, the conclusion In Part 1 that the Immigrant McGoverns ofHock.essln--Edward, John F., and Daniel-were all cousins must be corrected,based on new Information from Ruth Johnson Glllan of Kennett Square, PA, agranddaughter of Edward who had not been Identlfled earlier. I t Is now clearthat Daniel was a younger brother of Edward, Bnd both were first cousins ofJohn F. McGovern, and also of John J. McGovern of Wilmington, to whom arelationship was only suggested in Part I. Other siblings of Edward who came to

the U.S. have also been Identified.26

The new Information from Edward's granddaughter demonstrates how essentialpersonal recollections are to tracing Irish-American famllles, and how ImportantIt Is to search out all such recollections that stili survive In the memories ofolder family members.

"" descrIbed In Part I, John F. McGovern's granddaughter recalled that thethree immigrant young men were cousins (the other two were In fact firstmuslns of her grandfather) and her recollection appeared to be confirmed bydocumentary evldenc~Danlel's 1927 death certlflcat~whlchshowed his parentsas John '1'rGovern and Sarah, while Edward's were known to be John and NancyMcElwee.

ThIs Is a case where the docwnentary eVidence, being secondary, Is lesslikely to be reliable thlll! oral evidence that Is primary, or based upon flrst-handknowledge. The death certificate of an adult Is not prImary evidence for theparents' identIty. because It is recorded long after the person was born, and Isbased on answers from an informant who usually lacks first-hand knowledge andmay be under the stress of bereavement.

Here the oral account Is from a reliable wItness who knew the parties andwhose curiosity caused her to Inquire about their relationships. Her continuinginterest in the subject matter gives further assurance that her currentrecollection Is more accurate than the Information on Daniers death certificate,even after the passage of many years. •

•To a possible objection that her knowledge Is mere hearsay, It should benoted that hearsay evidence about one's own family relationships Is accepted Incourts as an exception to the usual rule that rejects hearsay testimony in favorof witnesses who actuallv saw an event. The reason Is that none of us know of

our own relationships other than by being told about them by other family•members, and this knowledge can be relled upon because people don't readily let

themselves be misled about such an Important matter.

Mrs. GlIIan also offered non-hearsay evidence, In her recollection of the titlesof respect she heard her mother use toward the older generation ofMcGoverns-"Uncle" for Daniel, but "Cousin" for Jobn F. McGovern. She alsorecalled that her mother's godfather was the son of another fiut cousin of hergrandfather, John J. McGovern of Wilmington, whose connection to the HockessinMcGoverns was only suggested In Part I. Her account Is supported by hermother's baptismal record, which shows the godparents were Franctscus(Francis) McGovern and Helena (Helen or Ellen) Hyde; the only Francis ofrecord In either Hockessin or Wilmington at that time was John J. McGovern's19-year-<lld son.28

Two other granddaughters-<>ne of Edward, the other of Daniel-as well asDaniel's surviving daughter-tn-law t have also been Interviewed. TheirInformation helped complete Identlflcatlon of the McGovern descendants, some ofwhose children dIed young and !§ther were not recorded, or were recordederroneously In cemetery records.

Finally, former Delaware Genealogical Society president Harry DIehl broughtPart I to the attentIon of one of his genealogy class students who Is descendedfrom John J. McGovern of WIlmington, She made available additional informationabout that branch complied bylWllllam M. McGovern, grandson of John J., frombaptIsmal and marrIage records of St. Mary's, St. Paul's and St. Thomas'sCatholic Churches In WIlmington, and used here through hls klndness. 30

The McGoverns In Ireland

The relationships among the four Irish forebears (Generation A; NI to N4below) have been Inferred from the relationships among their children, both fromdocumentary sources and as recalled by Ruth Gillan, granddaughter andgrandniece of two of them. No documentary sources bearing directly on theforebears' relationships have yet been found.

Three of the Irish ancestors are almost certainly those recorded as tenantsof the Worshipful Company of Drapers at Tlrgan, Oesertmartln Parish, CountyDerry, In 1859; not only do the names match precisely, but no other parish InDerry or Tyrone has more than two McGovern households listed. The TlrganMcGoverns all held 10 to 30 acres, placing them In the cia.. described by Milleras "middling fanners," as contrasted with "strong farmers· with over 30 acres,or the "smallholder" of 2 to 10 acres, liVing usually on the edge of poverty.31

All of the children of the four who have ao far been Identlfled came to theU.S.; no research has yet been urxlertaken to Identify others who may haveremained In Ireland.

AI. John McGovern, born In Ireland ca 1810, married !'Boey McElwee. He ·Is

probably the aame John recorded as holding a house, outbuildings and II acres I•rod 5 perches of land In Tlrgan townland, 1859. John and Nancy were brought to

•

,

+

+

+

+

April 1988 The McGovt:ms Page 51

the U.S. by their son Edward after 1870. Nancy died 4 Mar 1877 and was buriedat Coffee Run; John was recorded as a laborer t age 70, In Edward's household In1880. Since he is not found In the 1900 Census, It was probably his death thatwas recorded at tbckessln 24 Mar 1893, with his parents named as (another)John McGovern and Mary. l-bwever t his age, given as 95, exceeds by 12 yearshis age based upon the 1880 Census. Place of burial is not given. 32

Known children (birth order not certaln):335. Edward, b. ca 1835.6. Catherine, b. ca 1840, m. Wllilam Keily, lived

Landenburg PA. Children:I. Catherine, unm.iI. Mary, m. Ryan; son William.iii. Daniel, unm. t

7. Margaret, b. ca 1840. (Marg , 1853 Passenger List) m. 1st "Old"Owen O'NeIli, m. 2nd Ryan.

8. HJgh, m. flynn of Hockessin, moved west.9. Daniel, b. 12 Mar 1848.

2. NealA McGovern, brother of John, probably the same Neal recorded in 1859as holding a house, outbuildIngs, and two parcels of land totaling 20 acres 3rods 35 perches In TIrgan in 1859.

Known chlldren: 34

10. John F. McGovern, b. Mar 1837.11. Ann McGovern, m., removed to CA.

3. FergusA McGovern, probably an older brother of John and Neal. He Is notlisted as a tenant In Desertmartln ParIsh In 1859, nor in any other parish IncountIes Derry or Tyrone; if not already deceased by then, he may have beenliving In the household of another son.

Known child:3512. john J. McGovern, b ca. 1833.

4. PhilllpA McGovern, probably a cousin of john, Neal and Fergus and listedas holding a house, outbuildings and two parcels totaling 17 acres I rod 35perches In TIrgan, 1859.

Known child:3613. Catherine, b. ca 1837, m. John F. McGovern (#10).

J

iII

The First American Generation

5. Edward l McGovern (Jobrt) was born In 1835 or 1836 based on the 1880census and his age at death, probably at TIrgan, Deser trnar tin , County .Derry.Although the 1900 Census shows him born In Jan. 1839, this would have madehim only 16 at the time of his marrIage. He arrived In the U.S. 12 Mar 1853 onthe Tuscarora from Liverpool to Philadelphia, with his age recorded as 15 andaccompanied by "Margt", probably his sIster, age 12.37

He marrIed Sarah Hagan on II IIbv 1855, probably at St. Mary's, Coffee Run,although recorded at St. joseph's-on-the-Brandywlne, with cousin john F.McGovern and Catherine McGovern (most likely his cousIn, since his sister•CatherIne probably hadn't yet come over) as witnesses. Sarah's malden name Is

•Page 52 Delaware Genealogical Society Journal Vol. 4

known from the death certlflcate of her daughter Sally; her own death certificateis silent as to her birthpl~ce and names of her parents. From her age of 58 ather death on 23 Sep 1896, her birth was about 1838. She was born In Irelandaccording to the 1880 Census, but her age, recorded as 39, only 14 years olderthan her eldest daughter, Is probably understated there. A granddaughterrecalls that the Hagans originally settled farther north, perhaps around NewYork, some years before they carne to li:>ckessln, and thought Sarah may havebeen born In the U.S. The other Hagans removed to Kentucky and were not heardfrom afterward.38

Edward has not been found In the 1860 Census for either New Castle Co.,Del., or Chester Co., Pa., but appears to have lived Just across the state lineIn Chester County at least from 1861 to 1867. An 1860 move to Pennsylvaniaafter the census enumeration there but before the Delaware count would explainhis absence from the lists for both states. Hs chlldren were listed as born InDelaware up to 1859, but In Pennsylvania between 1861 and 1866. He Isdescribed as "now or late of New Garden Township, Chester County, Pa." (justacross the state Une from Hockessin) at his 25 March 1868 purchase of 23.29acres on the north side of the Newport and Gap [Lancaster] Turnpike, Just westof a private lane that was later opened as McGovern Road. In the 1870 Censusfor New Castle County he Is Usted as a farmer. By 1880, although st!1I at thatlocation, the Census gives his occupation as quarryman, Indicating that farmingwas not his principal source of income. His first nine chJldren are listed In the1870 Census, and 12 of the 14 total In 1880~90ne had died young before 1880, andthe youngest was not born until after 1880.

Edward's McGovern Road property was the first of several McGoverrrownedplrcels in that Immediate vicinity; his cousin John F. bought six acres just tothe east. across McGovern Road. a year later. and in 1898 Edward's youngerbrother Daniel bought the 10 acres adjoining on the west-a parcel that wouldeventually pass through all three branches of the famlly.40

Although small parcels were sold off from Edward's original 23 acres startingIn 1883, most of the property remained In the possession of Edward'sdescendants until the'1987 death of his granddaughter Marjorie C. Meany, whohad worked the farm with her twin brother Jay; after Jay's 1973 death she soldthe farm. but retained a life interest in the house. where she lived until herdeath.

41

Edward's fortunes prospered sufficiently for him to Invest in several otherpieces of real estate between 1883 and 1888, Including 151 acres of farmlandalong the pike for $14,123; 60 acres of farmland on the north side of OldWilmington Road opposite McGovern Road for $4,666; two lots In Hockessin oneither side of the turnpike, and a 59' by 44' lot on Grant St. In Hockessin, whichhe sold In 1899 to Lodge No. 4 of the Colored American Protective Association •

•This may have been the site where his daughter Mary taught school for the blackchlldren of the area, while his daughter Kate taught In the white school onValley Road; a granddaughter recalls that Mary taught In a building her fatherowned.42

By 1900, Edw.rd, listed .galn .s • f.rmer. h.d only his 21-ye.r-old d.ughterSus.n living .t home with him. but the family of his son Edw.rd, listed .s •l.borer, Is In the next dwelling. and m.y h.ve been helping on the f.rm. Thesenior Edw.rd died 30 Aug 1921

43.ged ".bout 87," .nd Is burled In his plot .t

Cathedr.1 Cemetery. Wilmington.

Children of Edw.rd .nd S.r.h (Hag.n) McGovern:44

45+ 14. S.r.h C. McGovern, b. DE 1857, m. James F. Meany.

15. Anne R. McGovern, b. DE 1857 (twin of -S.rah C')'.i\; unm.+ 16. Mary A. McGovern. b. DE 1859, m. John A. Cllnlff. 47+ 17. Ell. (Nellle) McGovern. b. PA 1861. m. Thom.s N. FI.nnery.

18. John C. McGovern. b. PA 1863, d. unm. Chester Co. PA 22 Feb 1934.+ 19. J.mes H. McGovern, b. PA c. 1864, m. 1st Mary A. McGinty 24 Feb

1897, m. 2nd Lizzie Dougherty 19 Jun 1913.20. Kate S.• b. PA 1866. d. unm. 9 !'bv 1894.21. Ellz.beth. b. PA 1868, d. unm. Mar 1902.

+ 22. Edw.rd S•• b. IS Jul 1870 DE. m. Marie C.therlne Roser.+ 23. louIse, b. 1872 DE, m. W.rren Clinelf.

24. Fr.nk, b. c. 1874. d. before 1880 of. bee-sting.+ 25. Marg.ret. b. 1876 DE. m. Cornelius Flnneg.n.+ 26. Sus.n, b. Jul 1879 DE. m. 1st fbward Johnson. 2nd Elwyn A. GlII.n.

27. Phillip. b••fter 1880. drowned In • qu.rry Jul 1893.

9. Daniell McGovern OohnA) w.s born In Irel.nd 12 Mar 1848 according tohis 1927 de.th certlflc.te. prob.bly at Tlrg.n. He came to the U.S.•bout 1856.b.sed on the 1900 Census, where he Is listed .s • bl.cksmlth••ge 50, bornMarch 1849••nd In the U.S. 44 ye.rs. He Is probably the D.nlel, te.mster,age 17, recorded .t Hockessin In the 1860 Census••Ithough hIs .ctual .ge wouldh.ve been only 12. By 1870 he w.s living In the household of J.mes Denlng [sic],b.rtender••nd his wife Mary In Red Lion VlII.ge. Red Lion Hundred, listed .s •bl.cksmlth••ge 23.48

In March 1871 he married louis. Denning. born In Del.w.re 7 M.r 1858.ccordlng to her 1934 de.th certlfic.te. but in 1856 .ccordlng to her .ge In the1860 Census. She w.s the d.ughter of Mlch.el Denning (prob.bly • brother ofJames, with whom D.nlel lived) .nd the former Emma Bridget Powell of RedLion. both n.tlves of Irel.nd who .rrived In the U.S••bout 1847-1849, from thebir thpl.ces of their other children. Mlch.el w.s listed .s • shopkeeper In 1860.nd • f.rmer In 1870. In 1880, D.nlel bought. lot In Red LIon VlII.ge with.frontage of 28 feet on the north side of the Red Llon-tn-Chrlstlan. Road••ndextending 32 feet deep.49

They rem.lned there until 1884. when they sold the lot In Red Lion to JamesW. Denning, prob.bly Louls.'s brother but possibly her uncle, .nd Louis. w.srecorded •• purchaser of. 3/10 .cre lot In Hockes.ln .t the southwe.t cornerof (Old) Lancaster Pike and Kent'. Lane. In 1898 they bought in Loul•••• namefor $1.000 the Io-acre f.rm just we.t of, and adjoining. Edward McGovern's,.Ithough Daniel w.s stili employed prlnclpally .s • bl.cksmlth in 1900. This 10.cres w.s eventu.lly to p.ss through .11 three branches of the famBy: In 1915

April 1988 The McGoverns

,

Page 53

Page 54 Delaware Genealogic.u SocietyJournal•

6<1Vol. 4

Kennett Squ.re PA, ..here Daniel died 7 May 1927 and Loul•• 7 Mar 1934.Le..I.'...Ido...old the Hockessin f.rm In 1923 to Edw.rd'. .on Edw.rdS. McGovern, ..ho.e gr.ndchlldren .tIll own it. 50

Children of Daniel .nd Loul•• (Denning) McGovern: 51

+

+

+

+

28. Mary (Mollie, 1900 Cen.u.), b. DE Apr 1875, m. WillIam Jenne•••29. Albert (Jame. A., 1880 Cen.u.), b. DE c. 1878, m. Mrs. Jame.

McEvilly, d. PhI1.delph. PA. No children.30. fr.nk, b. DE Jul 1880, m. Ell. Peirce.31. Saille, b. DE Aug 1883, m. francl. J. Ro.er32. Grover, b. DE 9 Apr 1885, d. unm. 1902 of .carlet fever.33. Pre. ton, b. DE Jun. 1887, m. Cl.r. E. McC.rthy.34. Edw.rd J. (Ed..ln, 1900 Cen.u. & 1914 f.rm Journ.1

Directory), b. 18 jun 1890, m. Julia McT.gue. 5235. »J...rd D., b. DE 2 Oct 1892, m. Helen E. Mor.n.36. E1..ood, b. jul 1898, d. 1902 of .c.rlet fever.

10. john f. I McGovern (Ne.lA) .... prob.bly born .t Tlrgan .bout 1837 .ndc.me to the U.S••nd »Jcke•• ln In 1854, the ye.r after hi. cou.in Edw.rd'•• rrlv.l; he I. likely the John McGovern, li.ted •• 13 .lthough .ctually 17, ..ho.rrived In Phil.delphl. 24 April .bo.rd the Ton....nd.; no other John McGovernof an .pproprl.te .ge I. Indexed •••rrivlng .t Phil.delphl. th.t ye.r.53

He ..... wltne••• t the II Nov 1855 marrl.ge of Edw.rd McGovern .nd SarahHag.n, .nd In the 1860 Cen.u. I. lJ.ted ••• qu.rryman, age 23, bo.rdlng ..Iththe Mlch.el McKenn. family, two dwelling.....y from John G. J.ck.on'. hou.e..here C.therlne McGovern (113), John'. future wife, .... employed •••

54servant.

He m.rried C.therlne McGovern (PhillipA), • cou.ln of undetermInedrel.tlon.hlp, 19 sep 1861, prob.bly .t St. Mary'., Coffee Run, .1 though recordedat St. Joseph's, of which Coffee Run was a mission at the time. The witnesses

55were Edward McGovern and his sister Catherine, their cousins.

-+•

+

They lived in Penn.ylvani••t the birth. of their first three childrel1, On 26j.n 1869 john bought. 6-.cre parcel to the e•• t of Edw.rd'., .cross the l.nethat became McGovern Road, midw.y hetween Old Wilmington Ro.d .nd Lanc•• terPike. Since be I. recorded in 1870 ••• bricky.rd employee .nd In 1880 ••....orks In c1.y pits," thI••teeply .Ioplng 5~lli.lde .... prob.bly u.ed only forpasture to supplement his Industrial wages.

In 1884, John f. McGovern bought. hou.e on two lots with • 99-£oot frontageon the ..e.t .Ide of Valley Ro.d, 273 feet .outh from the center of (Old)Lancaster Pike, but It Is not clear whether the famlly lived there, because hedidn't .ell the McGovern Ro.d property untll t ..o ye.r. I.ter ..hen he bought.f.rm ne.r South..ood.57

On 22 Mar 1886 John bought from Thom•• Reardon. 33-acre f.rm extendingnorth .nd .outh from South..ood Ro.d; this .... to be the family home until 1912•

•Three d.y. I.ter he and C.therlne .old to Reardon the .Ix-.cre p.rcel onMcGovern Road. The South..ood property .... bounded on the ..e.t by the oldbound.ry of Letltl. Penn'. Manor of Stennlng (. continu.tlon to the .outh of the

lIne between New Garden and Kennett Townships In Pennsylvania), and was about600 feet In width along Southwood Road. It extended northward from the roadsome 800 feet, and southward about 1,700 feet; the Landenburg branch of theWilmington and Western Railroad ran across the southerly part. It was a truefarm and provided John's principal occupation from then on, althou~~ othermembers of the household continued to work in the clay or brick works.

John McGovern, listed 8S a farmer In the 1900 Census, died at Southwood on26 Mar 1906, leaving a life Interest In the property to his wife Catherine, whodied 22 feb 1912. After her death, their son lewis P. McGovern bought the

•property from the other heirs and kept It until 1915, when he bought the DanielMcGovern property on Lancaster Plke.59

Children of John f. and Catherine (McGovern) McGovern:60

37. James Simon (James G. In wllI), b. PA 5 Oct 1862, d. uom. Jan1912.

+ 38. Anna Mary, b. PA 3 APr 1864 m. John A. Lafferty.39. John Joseph, b. PA 30 Jun 1866, d. unm. 1 Dec 1887.

+ 40. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Teresa, b. 20 Oct 1868, m. Pratt J. Baldwin.41. Joseph C., b. DE 12 NJv 1870, unm., drowned in Delaware River ca

1927.+ 42. lewis P. (louis In Bible record), b. 7 May 1873, m. 1st Irene L.

McCarthy, m. 2nd Jennie C. tbopes.+ 43. Charles A., b. DE 25 Jun 1875, m. Clara Skelly.

44. Ella Bell (NellIe In Census), b. DE 28 Jul 1878, d. unm. 2 Mar1906.

12. John J. I McGovern (fergusAl, was probably born at T1rgan November1836 and emigrated to the U.S. through Baltimore In 1849; he may be the John,age 16, who arrrived on the Georgia In July 1849. He married Marla McCulloughat St. Mary's, Wilmington, probably shortly after the parish was organized inJanuary 1858, but before the church was built. Although the marriage was not

~:dtal;e;~~:r~~:~:t:e~:::r~a~;le~~no~;s~8h:8rc~.~tISgj of their first child Is

Where John J. McGovern spent his early years In the U.S. Is not yet known.He Is first of record in Delaware In 1857, when he appears In the WilmingtonDIrectory as a shoemaker, householder at 47 Walnut Street. (ThIs was beforethe adoption of decimal street numbers; the house was later numbered 233, andwas acro.. the street from Asbury Churcb.)

Described variously as a shoemaker, cordwall\er and watchman, John workedmost of his life In the leather Industry. The family moved from the East Side to117 Bird St., off Maryland Ave., In St. Paul's Parish, where the children bornafter 1869 were baptized. In 1886 and 1889, living at 105 S. Monroe, he was awatchman at Harlan & tbllIngsworth. By 1899 he was a watchman at f.Blumenthal, a tannery, and living at 9 S. Dupont St., his home for the rest ofhis life. Marla died 27 feb 1903, and John on 23 Mar 1906.62

Children of John J. and Marla (McCullough) McGovern:

+ 45. francis (frank) J., b. 23 Oct 1858, bap. St. Mary's, WIlmington,•m. Ellen M. Scully.

I~April 1988 The McGovems Page 55

46.

+ 47.48.

49.50.

+ 51.

+ 52.53.

+ 54.

lJeJaware Genealogical SocietyJournal VoL 4 510James B•• b. J5 Mar 1860. bop. St. Mary's., unm., livIng 1922 Inhousehold of brother-In-law I-bward L. Guy. 63Marla, b. 23 feb 1862, bop. St. Mary's, m. I-bward L. Guy.Catherine, b. 18 Mar 1864, bop. St. Mary'., d. unm. Apr 1895,reportedly of grIef over death of her sister Sara.Sara, b. 1867 t cfgarmoker; d. unm. jul 1893 or skin cancer.Henry McGovern, b. 26 Sep 1870, bop. St. Paul's Cath. Church,Wilmington, d. 20 Dec. 1882, age 12.John J., b. 19 Sep 1872, bop. St. Paul's, m. Eugenle C. Jackson;Wilmington City Councilman, 11th Ward, 1903-1911.Ellen, b. 18 Jun 1875, bop. St. Paul's, m. Martin Shannon.Margaret, b. 21 Sep 1877, bap. St. Paul's; d. unm. !'bv 1948.George Henry, b. 22 feb 1880, bop. St. Paul's, m. 1st Mary GilkeyHeeney, m. 2nd Mary C. Mclaughlin; developer of Cleland HeIghtsand Woodcrest.

(To be concluded)

NOTES

26. Interview with Ruth Johnson GlUan. ~nnett Square PA, 8 Jan 1988.

21. Death Certificate., Supu. note. 20 and 23.

28. Beptl.m or SUlao McGovern, lui 1879, bapti.mal resister I St. }o.eph'l, lupn.

29. Interview. with Serah rinne,.n Carter, Hamorton, PA, 28 IUD 1987 and a J.n 1988; ElizabethMcGovern Rittenhouse. Chrl.tJ.n. PA, 8 Jan 1968; and Julia McTague McGovern, 21 ]un 1987.

30. William M. McGovern, Wllmln&ton, DE••nnot.ted M•. chart 01 descend.nu of John J. McGovern.u.ed with permlilion.

31. Griffith', V,IUIUon , Won of Mqhermelt p. 175; Miller, pp••9-51.

32. 1880 Censu•• Inventory Coffee Run Cemetery. ~. note 20; neath Certlr., John McGovern, 2-4Mar UI93, Del. '44838.

33. Glllan,.!!!2!.!.

34. Death CerUf. and Deed Rec., IUPn, note 21; Smlth,..!!!2!!.- note I.

35. Death Cerar., .upre. note 24.

36. Death CerUf.. IUPn, note 22.

37. Pauenger Arrival Records, PhIladelphia. Nadonal Archlvel Mlcronlm M425.

38. Marriage ReSister, .upn, note 12i Death Certlr., Sarah McGovern, 23 Sep 1896. Del. '52667;1870 • IBM Cenluli Gillan.

39. 1870,. 18ao Cenlul; Deed Rec. lJ..S, p. .fo52; Wellaser,..!.!:£t!., note 1; Gillan .•

.foO. See reference., Infra, ror John and Oantel McGovern .

.fol. Deed Rec.. P-12, Po 335i v.f.O, Po 206; G-68, pp. 60S, &07; R-94, Po 138; obituary, Wllm. MornlnlNtw., 6 Apr 1987.

.fo2. Deed Rec. Q-12, pp. 13.fo, 136; U-13, p. .fo76; C-14, p.51S; M-18, p. 81; Gillan. Lake, p. 55,credits Mary McGovern al the nut teacher or Hockeufn bleck atudenu, although he notes th. aloS Ichool4lou1. for black ltudents d the area wal opened under Quaker au.plcel In 1829 .

.fo3. Census; Death CertU., Edward McGovern, Sr., 30 Aul 1921. Del. '2067.

.f..C. 1870 • 1880 Cenlus; unless otherwise indicated, marrlales from Gillan,~ and Interv......with Sarah FInnegan Carter, another sranddaughter, of Hamorton PA, 28 Jun 1987.

45. Vital event card index, Del. Dlv. or Archlvel, HaJI of Recorda. Dover (hereafter Event Index) .•

46. IbId.

47. Ibid.

lilt: IVU.;\JUVt:n~

48. Deeth Certif., .upra, note 23; 1900, 1860 and 1870 Cen.u., supra, note 17.

49~; Marrlase Bond 25 Mar 1871, Yol. 52 p. 31, Hall of Record., Dover: Indenture, jame.B• .-enr,. 5: wife to Daniel McGovern, Deed R«:. &-12 p. 12.

SO. 1880 Census; Indenture, Denlel McGovern 5: wife to james W. Denning, Deed Rec. 6-12 p. 532:Deed Rec., supra. note 17; Indenture., john ONeill • Elizabeth bts wJfe to Louisa McGovern, 22MIIrch 1898, Deed Rec. Q-J7 Po 43; 1900 Centu.. Mill Creek I-lmdred, SO 27, ED 54 Sheet 9,

HIH 182; Indenture, LouJsa McGovern 5: Daniel B. her husband to Lewis P. McGovern, 26 June1915, Deed Fmc. R-25 p. 218j Death Certlflcates, supra, notes 19 5: 23.

51. Children were InJdally Identified from the 18ao and 1900 Censuses, sYRra, and the burial recordsor St. Patrlck's Cemetery, Ashland. Inconsistencies In the census Ilsanls and errors In theburial records hBVe been corrected (rom Inform.tlon furnished by Jull. McTal\le McGovern ofBr.ndywlne li.mdred, widow of Edward S., In an Interview, 29 June 1987.

52. Delth Certlf., t-bward D. McGovern, I Apr 1957, PI. '32281.

53. Indo, PhIla. Pin. Arrivals, sUP", note 11.

54. 1860 Census, supn, note 15; Marrlase Register, St. josephl., lupra, note 12. '

55. Mlrrlale Register, supra, note 14.

56. Indenture, JmteS C. jachon of Mill Creek Kindred and Amelea S., his wife, to John McGovern01 the slme JiJndred, son of Neely M::Govern, $490.00, 6 9/100 ecres bounded lenerally on thewest by lands 01 Edward McGovern, on the south 01 f-bward L. Guy (Joceted alons the north sided Lancaster PIke), on the e.st of John Mitchell, and on the north of John Hyde and Daniel Hyde(alone the lOuth side or Old Wlbnlngton ROIIcO, Deed Rec. 0-9 Po 196; 1870 and 18ao Census,supra DOte 15.

57. Indenture, Jasper C. Way 5: .tfe of Kxkessln, Mill Creek Hundred. to John McGovern of the..me tlIndred, 14 Jan 1884, $800, Deed Ree. X-12 p. 372.

58. Indenture., lboma. Reardon 01 the City of 'MImIDJton to Jobn F. McGovern of Mill CreektlIndred, $2,550, Deed Rec.. P-13 p. 527; John F. McGovern and Catharine (sle; but signature Is"Catherine"] his wlle to lboma. Reardon, $1,200, Deed R«:. N-13 p. 386.

59. Death Cerdncues, supra ootes 21 &: 22; Obituary, Wlbnlnlton Every Evenlns, 2 Mar 1906; WIll01 John F. McGovern, 14 Mar 1905, proved 9 Mar 1906, File' 15).4, Reellter of WlUs, New CastleCounty; Indentures, Lewis P. McGovern. Exec., to Joseph C. McGovern !!. aJ., 19 Mey 1913,$3,500, recltlDJ purch.se .t public sale IS Oct 1912 pursuant to will, Deed Rec, P-74 p. 71;Joseph C. McGovern .!lA!.. to Lewis P. McGovern, 20 May 1913, $3,500, Deed RtJc. P-24 p. 25;lewis P. M:::Govern, widower, to John Raymond Frederick, 1915, Deed Rec. S~25 p. 27.

60. Family Record In Bible published by Jolm Smtth, PhlIL. no date; from Incumbencies of bishopswbole approYais are listed. publ1shed)S60-IS63, now In possession of Sarah McGovern Smith ofMlmlllltoDj Will. .upra. Baptlsml 01 JOleph, Lewi. and Nellie are recorded atSt. Josepb'I-on-dte-Brandywlne. Deaths of James, ooted oaly a. "Jan.". and Anna Mary, withoutd.te, follow Mrl. Lewll McGovern's 8 Dec 1913 death In the bible record; cemetery records give1912 ror both. Neither J..s DOr aDy heirs of hll were amone thole who took part In the 1913property settlement, altbou&b he wal named In the will as a reslcliary heir; John laffeny,widower, pertJcpated as Anu Mary's belr, Deed Rec • .!!!2!!..

61. Since publication ol Put I, reladonshlp 01 this Wllmtneton family to the Hx.keuln McGovern. basbeen established: Gille, lupra. Infof'D'LMloD on the John J. McGovern famUi, except as otherwisenoted, hal been prOVided by ...'lIIam M. McGovern of WUmlnpon. baled on his research, and I.Uled with his permlulon. His principal sources were baptismal rellsters or St. Mary's,St. Paul's and St. 1bomas'. Catholic Churches. Wilmington; 1860. 1810, IMO, 1900 and 1910 U.S.Cen,ules, and the Nattonal Archives Index to Baltimore Pa..enler Arrival Records. See alsoDonn Devine. 'Mlllmn P. Frank, Church of St. Marx.!!! J!!. "'maculate Conception. J85S-19M(WIlmJnlton: 1958).

62. Wllmlneton City Directories, 1857, 1886, leS9. 1899: Death CertU•••upr. note 2•.

63. t-bward L. Guy 1n 1S68 held land In Hockeuln on the north side of Lancaster Pike adJolnill8 thatof Echrard McGovern and John F. McGovern, .upr., note 56.

•

October 1988'--"

• The McGoverns Page 73

TI-iE Me GOVERNS Of HOCKESSINby Donn Devine

Continued from Vol. 4 No. 3

TI-iE SECCl'ID GENERATI Cl'I: BOON IN AMER ICA

14. Sarah C.2 McGovern (Edward l , JohnA), b. DE 1857, m. James f. Meany6 feb 1888, d. 4 feb 1936 at I-k>ckessln DE age 78. Children:64

Edward Meany, d. unm, about age 25.John, m. Elizabeth Spawn, 4 children,Gertrude Meany, d. young, about age 6.Twins:Jay Meany, b. ca 1898, d. unm. 1973. 65Marjorie J. Meany, b. ca 1898, d. unm. 3 Apr 1987.

16. Mary A.2 McGovern (Edward l , JohnA, b. DE 1859, m. John R. Clineff 30Apr 1895. Chlld: 66

Marguerite Clineff, m. Leo Spawn, 3 children.

17, Ella (Nellie)2 McGovern (Edward1, JohnA• born DE 1861, m. ThomasN. flannery 26 Jan 1891. Child: 67

Sarah Flannery, m. John Spawn, no children.

19. James H. 2 McGovern (Edward l , JohnA, b. PA ca 1864, m. 1st Mary A.McGinty, 2nd Lizzie Dougherty 19 Jun 1913. Children, by Mary ~Ginty:68

Margaret, m. Roy Bonsall, dau. Doris d. y. .Mary, d. in childhood,

22. Edward S.2 McGovern (Edward I , JohnA, b. DE 15 Jul 1870, m. MarieCatherine Roser, dau, of Matthew and Mary Roser, 12 feb 1895, bur. 31 Jan1933 St. Patrick's, Ashland. Chlldren:69

John M•• b. Aug 1896, m. Helen Pierson, bur. Ashland, 3 children.Marie Catherine, b. Aug 1898, m. Aloysius P. Dolan, 4 children.Blanche, b. 1 Jun 1900, m. Charles Taylor, 2 children.Mildred, b. 9 feb 1902, m. Arthur W. O'Neill, d. 1975, 2 children.frances U., b. 9 feb 1902, d. 1983, unm,Helen G., m. Richard Taylor (unrelated to Charles, supra), 1 child.

23. Loulse2 McGovern (Edward l , JOhnA, b. DE 1872, m. Warren Clineff,bur. St. Patrick's, Ashland. Child: 70

Maude Cllneff, d. y.

25. Margaret2 McGovern (EdWard~ JohnA, b. DE 1876 (but see note),m. Cornelius finnegan, d. 22 feb 1915. 1 Child:

Sarah, m. Charles C. Carter I 2 children.

26. Susan2 McGovern (Edward l , JohnA, b. 28 Jul 1879 (but see note) m. 1stin Wilmington, 1904, Howard Johnson (b. 10 Apr 1882, d. 26 May 1915, WestChester PA), m. 2nd Elwyn A. Gillan" d. 25 Apr 1952/2 Children:

Ruth Johnson, b. 7 feb 1907, m. Elwyn J. Gillan (son of Elwyn A., supra,by his 1st Wife).

Edward Johnson, b. 19 Apr 1910, m. 1st Susan IrVin, 2nd Marjorie Bush.Howard Johnson. b. 6 feb 1913. d. '"f> 5 1/2.

•

Pagc74 Delaware Genealogical Society Journal VoL 4 1<J

28. Marl McGovern (Daniell, JohnA) (Moille, 1900 Census, 1944 burialrec.I, b. Red Lion DE Apr 1875, m. William Jenness (d. 1934), d. 1944.Chlld: 73 .

Shockley Jenness, b. ca 1915.

30. frank 2 McGovern (Daniell, JohnA), b. Red Lion DE Jul 1880, m. EllaPeirce who d. ca 1918, d. Phlla PA ca 1926. Children: 74

Louise, b. Cain PA 29 Sep 1905, d. 1971Elizabeth, b. Cain PA 24 Oct 1907, m. Earl M. Rittenhouse 1937, 2 ch.John E., b. Cain PA 7 Nov 1904, m. Eleanor Nixon, I child.frank A., Jr., b. Cain PA 2 May 1912, m. twice, I child.

31. Sallle2 McGovern (Daniell, JohnA), b. Red Lion DE Aug 1883, m. 17 Nov1904 francis J. Roser, son of Matthew and Mary Roser, bur. Longwood PA Cern.Chlldren:75

Gladys RoserHarold RoserFrancis Roser, Jr.

33. Preston2 McGovern (Daniell, JohnA), b. Hllf[essln DE Jun 1887, m. 15Jun 1910 Clara E. McCarthy 0889-1974). Children:

RichardAlta C., m. Robert E. Weeks (1917-1947). 2 children.J. Robert, m. Marie.

34. Edward J. 2 McGovern (Daniell, JohnA) (listed as Edwin, 1900 Census,1914 farm Journal Dir. New Castle Co.), b. 18 Jun 1890, m. 20 Apr 1920 atKennett Square PA ~ulla McTague (b. 7 Hb 1894), d. 19 feb 1957 KennettSquare PA. Children: 7

Paul, b. 28 Dec 1923, d. Mar 1925Edward f., m. Dorothy Taylor 1957. 5 children.

2 I A35. Howard D. McGovern (Daniel , John ), boo Hockessin DE 2 Oct 1892,m. Helen E. Moran (ca 1899-14 Apr 1978). Chlldren: 78

JamesRaymondMary I m. Daniel TorelloElizabethHelenWilliam

38. Anna Marl McGovern (John f. I , NealA), b. PA 3 Apr 1864, m. 10 May1883 Ashland DE John A. Lafferty (2 feb 186~13 Nov 1925, son of James J. andMary M. Rogers Lafferty). d. 24 Jul 1912 Kaolin PA. Children. all born KaolinPA:79

James Erven Lafferty. b. 8 Apr 1884, d. 15 Aug 1884.Elizabeth Veronica Lafferty. b. 4 Mar 1885, d. 13 Mar 1858. unm.John Joseph Lafferty, b.7 Mar 1887, d. 29 Jun 1937. uom.Mary (Marie) Ursula Lafferty, b. 23 May 1890. m. tOMey 1916 Josepn"C;

lloeLaughlin (21 Oct 1892-18 Aug 1949), son of Bernard and Ellen DaleyMclaughlin). d. 23 Dee 1961. 6 children.

Harold Aloysius Lafferty, b. 8 Mar 1901, m. 15 June 1922 Grace E.Whitelock. d. 27 Apr 1963 St. Petersburg fl. 2 children.

40. Elizabeth Teresa2 McGovern (John f. l • NealA) (Lizzie, marr. ree.).b. DE 20 Oct 1868, m. 8 feb 1893 Hockessin DE Pratt J. Baldwin (4 Mar

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October 1988•

The McGoverns Page 75

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1862-17 jun 1945), d. 12 Dec 1898. Children, all b. Kaolin PA:80

joseph Ellsworth Baldwin, IS Dec 1893. m. 15 jun 1920 Wilmington DESarah McDermott, d. Wilm. 4 jun 1958, 8 children.

Anna Mary Baldwin, b. 13 Oct 1895, m. Charles Woolery, d. Elkton MD18 Aug 1970, 1 child.

john Miles Baldwin, b. 9 Apr 1897, d. 12 feb 1898.

42. Lewis P.2 McGovern (john f. t , NealA), b. DE 7 May 1873, m. 1st 20 WI8Y1907 Irene L. McCarthy (d. 8 Dec 1913), Tn. 2nd 3 May 1916 Jane (jenny)C. (Eastburn) Hoopes, d. 3 jan 1919 Hockessin DE. Children, all by 1stmarrlage: 81

Sarah, m. Harold W. Smith, 3 children.I rene Catherine, m. Charles McKInley, d. 1979, 3 children.

•43. Charles A. 2 McGovern (john f. t , NealA), b. DE 25 jun 1875, m. Sep t900

Clara Skelly (8 Apr 1875-6 Aug 1955), died Wilmington DE II Jun 1935.Chlldren:82 .

Raymond james, b. 3 Dec 1903, m. frances john, d. Richmond VA 7 jun1976, no children.

Eleanore. m. Harry L. flanagan, no children.Elizabeth (Betty), d. 17 Sep 1942, unm.Gertrude, m. Robert J. Jones, 5 children.Mary Vincent, m. Harry f. Ballin Jr., 2 children.

45. francis (frank) j.2 McGovern (John J. I , fergusA), b. Wilmington 23 Oct1858, Tn. Ellen M. Scully (d. 1916). He Is burled Cathedral Cem., Wilmington,

::::1: ~W::da:~:Sveh:~ ;:~)e:: t~: ~:S~~rt~h~I:~et::~3of his father's presumed

louis, b. 20 Oct 1883, m. Anne , d. Sep 1916, 4 children.Julia, b. 6 Oct 1886, m. Eugene Short, d. Jun 1944.George O'Bryan, b. 26 Sep 1889, m. SadIe , d. Mar 1943. I ch.john, b. II Aug 1895, m. 1st Agnes Connell, I ch., 2nd Virginia

Taylor (d. Mar 1929), d. Mar 1943.

47. Marla2 McGovern (John j.I, fergusA), b. Wilmington 23 feb 1862, m. 23Apr 1892 Howard L. Guy. He is another link between the Wilmington andHockessin McGoverns; a Howard L. Guy, probably his father. In 1868 owned landIn Hockessin ad~~ning that of Edward McGovern ('5) and john f. McGovern('10). Children:

Edward McGovellT Guy, b. i'bv 1886 (stepson).John Guy, b. Aug 1894Sara Guy, b. Aug 1896, m. Harry B. SawdonMarla Guy, b. Aug 1898, m. Cosgrove

2 . I A48. John j. McGovern (john J. , fergus ), b. Wilmington 19 Sep 1872,

m. Eugenle C. jackson; Wilmington City Council member 1903-1911. Children:85

John J., jr., m. Laura Barris, I child.Elizabeth, m. francis G. Gentleu, 7 children.

52. Ellen2

McGovern (John J. I , fergusA), b. Wllmingtog 18 Jun 1875, m. 2Sep 1897 Martin Shannon (23 i'bv 1873-Sep 1949). Children: 6

Martin Shannon, d. jun 1967, unm.John Shannon, m., d.Joseph Shannon, m., d.Paul Shannon, m.

Page 76 Delaware Genealogical SocietyJournal Vol. 4 1-..,

Twins: George Shannon. m•• d.Ellen Shannon

Leonard Shannon? m.Catherine Shannon, m., d.

54. George Henry2 McGovern (John J. 1• fergusAl. b. Wilmington 22 feb 1880,m. 1st Mary Gilkey Heeney, 2nd Mary C. Mclaughlin. A contractor, he was thedeveloper of Cleland Heights and Woodcrest, and served as City Clerk ofWilmingtogt 1909-1911. He died 2i Jun 1936 at Ventnor NJ. his summer home.Children:

Geraldine, m. 1st James M. Dugan, 2nd Clifford Ward.Bernard J.Henry C.George H., Jr.Robert J.Charles C.William M.PhlllipJoseph B.

(conduded)

NOTES

64. Carter. (supra), note 26.

65. Obituary. Wllm. Morning News, 6 Apr 1987.

66. Gillan. supra, note 26.

61. Ibid.

68. Ibid.

69. 1880 Census; Event File, s'uprs, note 45; Carter, supra, note 29; bur. fee. , supra, correctednote 51; and gr. stones,

10. Carter. JMg.

11. 1880 Census; Carter, ibid. The 1880 Census lists Margaret as age 4, so born In 1876, but Mrs.Carter. who prOVided the death date, recalls clearly that her mcKher's age at death was 35, soborn ca 1880.

72. 1880, 1900 Census; CilIan, Carler, supra. corrected note 44. A birth date of 1886 Is indicated ifshe were 18 at her 1904 marriage.

73. 1900 Census; Rlttenhouse, supra, note 29; bur. ree., supra, corrected nOte 51.

74. Rittenhouse, ibid.

75. 1900 Census; Marriage Certlf., Del '39642; Rittenhouse, Ibid.

76. 1900 Census; Event File, supra, note 45; Intervtew with J. Robert McGovern of Yorklyn DE, 20Jun 1987.

77. Julia McTague McGovern, supra, note 29.

78. Death Certlf, f-bward D. McGovern, Pa. '32281; Obituary. Helen Moran McGovern, Wllm.Morning News. 11 Apr 1978.

79. Marr. Certif., St. Patrick's, Ashland; Haske, supra, note 9.

80. Bible Record, John F. McGovern, supra. corrected note 60; Elizabeth Baldwin Devine familyrecord In possessIon of author.

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October 1988 The McGoverns Page 77•

81. Bible record, Ibid; Sarah M;:Govern Smith. supra, note I.

82. Interview with Miry McGovern Betdn, Bellefonte, Wilmington DE, I feb 1988.

83. William M. WicCovern. lupra, note 61; burial records, Cathedral Cemetery.

84. William M. M::Govern. ibid: 1900 Census (Wilmington, 7th Ward) v. 3 ED 3G-A, dw. It 12;

Indenture, supra, note 56.

85. William M. McGovern, Ibid.; Records of City Clerk's Office, Wilmington.

86. William M. McGovern, ibid; Family record of Linda Shannon, copy In possession of author.

87. William M. McGovern, ibid; City Clerk's Office, supra.

CORRECTED NOTESCorrections of !'bees to Part 2, pp. 56 and 57.

28. B8pUsm of Susan McGovern. 3 Aug 1879, baptismal register, St. Joseph's, supra: Baptism,. offrancla McGovern, b.23 Oct 1858, baptismal register, St. Mary's Church, Wilmington. Mrs.Gillan, ho....ever. recalls the name of her mother's godfather as James, another son of John J.McCovern; James was a drinker, and her mother was teased about her Iodf'ather's habit .

• 2. Deed Rec. Q-12, pp. 13•• 136; lJ-13, p. 416; C-14. p. 518; M-18, p. 81; Gillan, supra, note 26;Lake. supra, note I, p. 55, who ldentlfles Mary M:Govern 81 che rJrst teacher In the Hockessinschool for black swdents. nus probably refers to the public school, since he notes that a 108school-house for black students of the area W8S opened under Quaker auspices In 1829.

·44. 1810 &; 1880 Census, supra, note 39; unless otherWise Indicated, marriages from Gillan, supra, note26, and Carter, supra, note 29, both of whom are granddaughters. The 1880 Census showsMarlaret, age 4. so born about 1816, ~ her age on her 1915 ~ath certificate was liven as 35,IndlcatlR3 a birth date about 1880. Susan1s age II liven In the 1880 Census as 1112. alreelnl Withher July 1879 birth date as shown In the 1900 Census and with her baptismal record, correctednote 28; nowever, Mrs. Gillan distinctly recalls that her mother said she was 18 at her 1904marriage to Howard Johnson. who was 22" Indicatlnl a birth date of 1886 for Susan; Margaret andSusan were described as close to each other a, well as close in ale. Baptismal records atSt. Mary of the Assumption, t-bckessln. have not yet been checked for possible post-1880 births ofa second Marlaret and Susan. Phillip, whose funeral on Sunday 16 Jul 1893 and burial at Coffee Runare recorded on a printed funeral notice In Mrs. Gillan's. possession, was the youngest child of~ard and Sarah.

SI. Children were Initially Identified from the 1880 and 1900 Censuses. supra, and the burial records ofSt. P~rlck's Cemetery, Ashland.. Inconsistencies in the census listings and errors In the burialrecords have been corrected from Inform. Ion furnished by Julia McTague McGovern of BrandyWine~ndred, widow of Edward S., in an interview, 29 June 1987. The record for Daniel's cemetery lotshowed "Mrs. Daniel McGovern" buried 1933. with "Louise McGovern, buried 9/9/193." not:ederroneously as a possible alternative f"or'" after L.ewls P. McGovern, burled 1/7/1919. In therecord for the lot bought by the latter's widow. Two of the three children In Daniel's lot were

•recorded with Incorrect dates: son Grover, who died 1902. "about 192.... and grandson Paul, whodied 1925, as "1902." Elwood, whose 1902 burtal was recorded correctly, was listed In the 1900Census as "Edward," the name later used by his older brother. born 1890 and listed as Edwin.Cemetery Information was prOVided throulb the kindness of Mr. Leonard farmer, the volunteermanager of the ~tery for St. Mary of the Assumption Parish. He notes that the early recordshave emissions. Some of the. errors probably resulted from attempts to supply mlsslnl Infonnationat the time of later Interments.

60. Family Record in Bible published by John Smith. Phila., no date; from Incumbencies of bishops whoseapprovals are listed, published 1860-1863, now In possession of Sarah McGovern Smith ofWilmington; Will, supra. Baptisms of Joseph, Lewis and Nellie are recorded at

St. Joseph's..cn-the-Brandywlne. Deaths of J.nel, noted only as "Jan.·, and Anna Mary, withoutdate. follow Mrs. Lewis McGovern's 8 Dec 1913 death In the Bible record; cemetery records give1912 for both. Neither James nor any heirs of his were 8I11'0ng those who took part in the 1913property settlement, although he was named In the wllJ as a residuary heir; John Lafferty,widower, and his two children participated as Anna Mary's heirs, Deed Records. supra, note 59.