From the early 19th century Tithe Applotment books in Ireland, the major concentra- tion of families with the Gallen surname in the 18th and 19th century was on the border of County Donegal and County Tyrone. The fields they farmed during those years were in the hills between the River Finn and the Mourne Beg River. These were in the parishes of Donaghmore in County Donegal and Termonamon- gan in County Tyrone I believe that the original Gallen families moved into this area before the 16th century (probably from In- ishowen) and farmed the fertile land of the Finn Valley near the river. Gallen families became herenaghs in Donaghmore Parish. A Herenagh was the chief elect of a sept (family group) in medieval times in Ireland, and was a lay official of church lands. The herenagh was elected by the sept and then confirmed by the bishop. of townlands belonging to the Diocese of Derry
I believe that the original Gallen families moved into this area before the 16th century At the beginning of the 18th century, the population of the Finn and Derg Valleys was evenly split between Protestants and Catholics. By J ohn Gal l en The extended family of Gallens paid rent for the land (in the form of farm prod- ucts) to the Bishop of Derry. (From The Patent Rolls of James I- Inquisition of Lifford 1609.)
Then came the Plantation of English and Scottish set- tlers in the early 17th century as a result of the defeat of the Irish earls. The land was confiscated from the Irish landowners and granted to the English victors. The na- tive Irish like the Gallens, who leased land previously from Irish owners, were dis- placed by Protestant tenants that the English landlords imported from Scotland and England. The Gallens and other Irish farmers were per- mitted to lease poorer Land. It appears that the Gallen families moved to the area around the townland of Meen- reagh on the Donegal side of the Mourne Beg River. Much of this land was unsuitable for farming until manure and top- soil was carried there to estab- lish small plots on their inex- pensive large fields of bogs and rocky earth. At the beginning of the 18th century, the population of the Finn and Derg Valleys was evenly split between Protes- tants and Catholics. After a few decades of hardship, the ratio changed in favour of Catholics when Protestant set- tlers, mostly Presbyterian, emigrated to America. This freed up some of the fertile lowlands and some Catholics moved in. Near the end of the 18th cen- tury, the Gallen families were firmly established in the Finn and Derg Valleys.
Jamie Gallen around 1908 (Right) The above photo was taken around 1906 at the farm in Kilclean. Jamie Gallen my G Grandfather is walking to- wards the camera. My grandfather James Gallen is sitting on a lime Killen on the left of the photo. The photograph below is a typical Irish thatched cottage built with stone in the late 1800,s 2
Owen Gallens eldest daughter Bridget with her husband John Bradley and some of their family at Sallywood, Killygorden, Co Donegal.
My GG Grandfather's Owen Gallens first wife died when my G Grandfather was very young, they had only one child Jamie Gallen born in 1830 app. In Gar- vagh Blane, Killeter, Co Tyrone.
Owen married his second wife Cecily Connolly in 1839 they had five children. Bridget 1840, John 1845, Ann 1845, Tom 1850, & Cathern 1859.
PRONI holds records relating to the valuation of property in Northern Ireland from the 1830s to 1930. The original purpose was, and still remains, the assessment of every building and every piece of land and an esti- mation of its financial value. The first Townland Valuation (VAL/1) of 1828-40 was followed by a Primary Valuation of Ireland (1848-1864), better known as Griffiths Valua- tion. Thereafter, properties were valued annu- ally from 1864 until the early 1930s (the an- nual Valuation Revision Books (VAL/12/B)). Each year, valuers recorded any change in the quality or dimensions of the properties, or in the names of occupiers or immediate Lessor, and any differences in the acreage and value. The changes were recorded in different col- ours of ink, one colour for each year, and the alterations are usually dated. This can help to establish significant dates in family history, such as dates of death, sale or migration.
Val uati on Revi si on Books and the Gri ffi th Val uati on The farm house at Garvagh Bl ane and the l ocal vil l age Ki l leter tion map showing Farm Plot 1 From Bernard and Mary Gallens (Philadelphia) notes around 1950, Grandchildren of Jamie and Eleanors The farm house on the left is on Owen Gallens, farm the outbuilding with the red roof was probably the original cot- tage.
According to the Griffith Valuation of 1850 Owen had 62 acres leased from The Earl of Castlestuart at a yearly rent of 8 15 shillings.
Garvagh Blane Griffith valua-
Owen Gallen 17961871 Killeter Village late 1800s Generation 1 3
El eanor McDaid 1834 1911 Born approximately 1830 in the Townland of Blaine, Parish of Aghyaran, Killerter Post Of- fice, County Tyrone, Ireland. Orphaned at about age 14. ( This is not correct Owen lived until 1871 and had five more children) His mother dies when he was even younger. He was the only child of this marriage. His father married again (name of wife unknown). ( Cecily Connolly) A sister was born of the 2nd marriage, named Bridget. He was raised by an uncle by the name of Barney Gallen, known as the Cairn Man, He also lived in the townland of Blaine. The word cairn means rock in Gaelic. There was a number of very huge rocks in his farm in the shape of tables and chairs and various other shapes. (We saw them when we visited there in 1908) Since there were no church records that we could find, we do not know of any other rela- tives in his family. My recollection of my grandfather is that of a most saintly man. He spent most of his time making baskets or creels (large baskets for holding or hauling turf). These baskets were made from sally rods that grew in the garden in their farm. When we were living with our grandparents, he used to sit and sing to us especially the younger ones. He died in 1921. He was approximately 91 years old. He is buried in St Patrick's Churchyard, Castlederg. April 21st (1) From Bernard and Marys notes
Died of "BRONCHITIS CHRONIC CERTIFIED" Born in Kilclean, County Tyrone (about 2 miles from Blaine). The first name of her father is unknown- his last name McDade. No record of her mother's maiden name. She had one brother William who died in early childhood. Her father and mother died when she was about 13 o 14. Her parents owned the farm in Kilclean, where Aidan, his wife Theresa and family now live. When her par- ents died, an uncle by the name of William McDade, raised her and took over the farm. She married my grandfather James Gallen at about the age 17. The McDade family gave her back the house where she was born and about one third of the original farm. All their children were born in this same house. My mother always claimed that her parents had 16 children - 8 boys and 8 girls. We can ac- count only for 14 - 7 boys and 7 girls. My recollection of my grandmother is that of a very aristocratic woman. She was well edu- cated and she had two pet subjects-spelling and Catechism, and she hit us with them continually. Since there were no schools for Catholics in her early years, it never occurred to me to ask just where she received this edu- cation. Since reading the history of that time I now realize that there were scholars who taught children in the privacy of their homes. Another memory of my grandmother is, every evening before bedtime, she came up from her bedroom swinging her Rosary. That was the signal for all to get on their knees. She died March 21, 1911, aged 77 years. Buried in St Patrick's Churchyard, Castlederg. The priest who visited her in her last moments told my mother he only wished he had her chance for heaven. (1)From Bernard and Marys notes Jamie (James) Gallen 1830 - 1921 The photo on the left was taken in 17th March 1906 it was St Patricks Day and William (with beard) Edward (Ned) Centre back and Hannah sitting on right. They were all home from New Zealand to see the new house that had just been built, Bridget sitting on the left Joe behind her and my Grandfather James at the back far right. Jamie & Eleanor seated middle front. This is 6 of their 14 children. Jamie & Eleanor had 14 Children 9 Emigrated to New Zealand, 2 to Philadelphia and 3 stayed in Ireland A hedge school is the name given to an educational practice in 18th and 19th century Ireland, so called due to its rural nature. It came about as local educated people began an oral tradi- tion of teaching the community. With the advent of the commercial world in Ireland after 1600, its peasant society saw the need for greater education. Sometimes they were held in barns and houses. Below is a photo of the house at Kilclean in the early 1930s Below Eleanor McDaid in 1906 Generation 2 4
This is the cottage today (photo below) (2013) it has been com- pletely renovated in 2005 and still in the Gallen family. Carol Prior from Liverpool on a visit with her mother Madge Prior nee McDaid age 90 (below) in 2001. Carol is the GG Granddaughter of Edward McDaid. The photos left is taken in the old cottage on the right above. Below the family grave in Castlederg with Joan Prior a GG Granddaughter of Edward McDaid who made the connection back to Kilclean. The farm at Kilclean was owned by Edward McDaid 17961871(Eleanor's uncle) it is just over 45 acres and his landlord is Sir Robert A Ferguson, his rent is 8 15 shillings yearly for plot 13 on the Griffith valuation. When Jamie married Eleanor (he was 21 she was 17) the family gave them half the farm and the house she was born in. They lived in this house until a new house further up the laneway was built around 1905. The building (left) below is part of the original house where Jamie and Eleanor reared their 14 Children. The house on the right is the McDaid family home. , The McDaids (McDevitt) Photo of the farm in the 1980s The two McDaid families lived side by side on the right this is where Edward McDaid lived, followed by his son William McDaid and Cath- ern Coyle who had ten children five of them emigrated to Chicago from 1870s. Two others emigrated to Scotland and Paddy McDaid lived in this house until his death in 1936. I am in contact with both the Chicago cousins and the Scottish cousins. After Paddys death my Grandfather James bought the farm from the family. The house on the left is where Eleanor McDaid was born she also had a brother William who died in 1835 age five years. It is also interesting to point out that Eleanors parents died around the mid 1840s the time of the Great Potato Famine in Ireland. Both McDaid houses in the late 1990s The McDevitts (McDaids) were Paying rent on the farm around 1825 according to the Tithe Ap- plotment Books. William Mc De- vitt and Widow McDevitt As with so many others of this time, whole families were forced to emigrate from the family home in Ireland and seek a living else where. Out of these two families the McDaids and Gallens from 1870s on- wards 20 children born from the 1850s emigrated to New Zealand, Scotland, Chicago, Philadelphia and England. 5
A PIONEER PASSES - MR WILLIAM GALLEN The death of Mr William Gallen has removed one of the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland in 1852 and emigrated to New Zealand in the early 70's (1875). After his arrival in south Canterbury he worked in the Levels District for some years, and took a position with the Mount Cook Road Board (now the Mackenzie County Council)- building back country roads. Mr Gallen later became a contractor, and had two teams working in the Fairlie distract be- fore the start of the present century. With two brother, Messer's Hugh and Edward Gallen. he acquired an interest in a small property at the foot of the Gorge Road, Fairlie, about 1890. Later he purchased a farm of The Brothers, and a few years afterwards also obtained a small property near Thaana where he resided until his death this week Wi l l i am (Bi l l ) Gal l en 18521938 He took no active part in public affairs but was widely respected for the part he had played in the district's pioneering history. Mr Gallen never married, and is survived by three brother and three sisters. One bother is still in Ireland and a sister is in America. The others, who live in the Fairlie distract, are Mrs E Robinson, Miss H. Gallen, Mr E. Gallen and Mr Joseph Gallen. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Father O. Gallagher at the Fairlie Cemetery. The pall-bearers were Messrs E Robinson, John Gallen. E Wade, J. Wade and Joseph Gallen. As with so many others of his time and circum- stances, William was forced to emigrate from the family home in Ireland and seek a living else where . MY mother had no recollection of her brother William, sister Katie and another sister. William paid a short visit to Ireland in the early part of 1908. Since my mother arrived in Ireland in June of that year, she missed him by a month or so. (1) From Bernard and Marys notes
As with so many others of his time and circumstances, William was forced to emigrate from the family home in Ireland and seek a living else where . The death of Mr William Gallen has removed one of the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country In the 19th century, migrants to New Zealand endured dreadful conditions for several months on sailing ships, daily facing the possibility of death by malnutrition and disease, fire, storm, shipwreck and even mutiny. Obituary of William Gallen Catherine (Kate) Gallen 18531887
Catherine (Kate) Gallen emigrated to New Zealand in 1878 about a year after her older brother William. She was the eldest girl in the family. Kate died at age 34 leaving 3 small chil- dren, her husband Johnny Dick remar- ried and had 4 more children. New Zealands European population doubled between 1871 and 1881. In the same period Taranakis European population more than tripled from 4,480 to 14,858. At the same time, the Mori population declined because of epidemics of introduced European diseases such as influenza and measles. Generation 3 6
Bri dget Gal l en 1854 1919 At the age of 8 or 9 Bridget lived and worked for a family by the name of Curran in the town of Castlederg This Catholic family owned sev- eral businesses there. Roseanne of the Curran family never married and when she died in 1917 she left Bridget the family home, the busi- ness a draper shop and an annuity for life. Bridget was preparing to go to America to visit her sister Mary Ann when she was stricken with the flu and died in 1919. According to her nephew Bernard she was a kind and wonderful person and spent one day every week with her Father and Mother. All her inheritance was returned Curran estate after she died. (1) The following is from Bernard & Marys notes on the Family History The year 1918/19 is justly remembered in Ire- land for the election that led to the formation of the First Dil, but for people at the time, an equally pressing concern was the outbreak of the Spanish flu. The epidemic is estimated to have killed 40 million people worldwide and in six months in- fected some 800,000 people in Ireland and killed about 23,000 To put this into context, from 1916 to 1923, about 4-5,000 people died in political violence in Ireland. The flu epidemic which raged from July 1917 to March of 1919, when it suddenly and mysteriously vanished, killed only slightly less Irish people than the four years of the Great War where an offi- cially recorded total of 27,405 Irishmen lost their lives. At the age of 8 or 9 Bridget lived and worked for a family by the name of Curran in the town of Castlederg The influenza epidemic killed about 23,000 people in Ireland in 1918-1919 The victory parade for the Great War in Dublin in early 1919. Meetings such as this and repub- lican rallies helped to spread the disease. John and Ellen were married in Ireland and emigrated to the USA about 1888. Their family and ours were always closely associated especially uncle John and my father. When aunt Ellen died John lived with his daughter Mary who was mar- ried in 1913 to a man by name of Patrick Mc Granaghan born in Blaine County Tyrone Ireland. When uncle John first came to the US we did not have electric trolleys. They were drawn by horses and he was one of the drivers. Later he operated those run by power. (1) John Gal l en 1856 1941 and El eanor McHugh 1868-1935 The following is from Bernard & Marys notes on the Family History Eleanor McHugh was from Kilclean the farm next door to the Gallens. In 1903 he and his family paid a visit to Ireland. Photo opposite is John and Ellens daughter Mary Ann born 1894 who lived to be over 100 years old. When he retired he almost a daily visitor at our home. We all loved him . In 1903 he and his family paid a visit to Ireland. He returned about a year later but his wife and two children remained until 1907. They lived while there with my grandparents and re- turned in 1907. Just about that time the new house was built in Kilclean It was built on top of the hill not far from the old house. It was called "The Brae" This is Scotch word for Hill When uncle John first came to the US we did not have electric trolleys. They were drawn by horses and he was one of the drivers Generation 3 7
Eleanor Gallen 18591942 and John Robinson 1851 1927 May 26 th 1906 Dear Ellen I take the pleasure to write you a few lines to let you know we are all well at present thank God, hoping these few lines find you all the same. We received your very welcome letter all right with the present of six pounds in it thank you very much for it. I cant say nothing about James in this letter the last word he sent he said he was coming home he has not come yet. You say Winnie has got Married again well we wish her all sorts of good luck, she did not dirty much paper writing to me anyhow, I hope he will be as good as the first, if he does she made a good go of it, is he a farmer. Dear Ellen there is many a change in this country John Coyle is no more. Mick will know Joe Barr he is away to Canada. John Thomas Burke died last week. Michael McHugh auctioned his plenishin on Friday last all the furniture he had, he let his house for ten years to a man by the name of Ward. Him and his wife and children is going to America next week. William John McDade has got married to Annie Ketterson Pollyarnon there is some fun with old Kate and Nelson. The Curries have sent for a son of Joe O Donells he will soon be going away. We have had a very wet summer for so far. Dear Ellen I have put in a very sore winter, sickness and fretting about James killed me out. I hope Nelly and Katley is getting along well at school. I hope Winnie will keep the children at school, I hope he will be good to the children, I know that yours will be good to them tell them to write to me. How is Nelly Dick and Mary Jane , I got a letter from Ed the same day I got yours , Im glad your potatoes has escaped the blight I hope Williams will escape it. I hope these few lines will find you all enjoying the best of health God be with you all from your Father and Mother I will write as soon as I get a letter from James This is a transcript opposite of a letter from Eleanor to her daughter Eleanor (Ellen) in New Zealand. She is giving her the news from home, takes a swipe at her daughter Winnie who is getting mar- ried again, for not writing to her and how she is worried about her son James (my Grandfather) who has gone to America. James in his letter talks about Prime Minster Massey: William Ferguson Massey, often known as Bill Massey or "Farmer Bill" (26 March 1856 10 May 1925) served as the 19th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1912 to 1925, and was the founder of the Reform Party. He is widely considered to have been one of the more skilled politi- cians of his time, and was known for the particular support he showed towards rural interests. After Richard Seddon, he is to date the second longest serving Prime Minister in New Zealand's history. Massey was born in 1856 into a farming family, and grew up in Limavady, County London- derry in Ireland. His father John Massey and his mother Marianne (or Mary Anne) Ferguson were tenant farmers who also owned a small property. His family moved to New Zealand in 1869, al- though Bill Massey himself remained in Ireland for a further year to complete his education. After arriving in New Zealand, Massey worked as a farmhand for some years before acquiring his own farm in 1877. I must tell you that father is no more. He died on the 17th of April. He was confined to bed for ten days. He got all the care we could give him, he suffered no pain. We feel very lonely now we have nobody at all This country is awful at present for murder rob- bery and burning houses and towns. (The Irish War of Independ- ence is during this period) Generation 3 8
Obituary Mr Hugh Gallen Emigrated to New Zealand and spent 40 years in that country in association with brother William Gallen. There passed away peacefully on Sept 27th at his residence Albury. Hugh Gallen one of the best known and most cordially esteemed man in the Albury and Fairlie Districts. Mr Gallen was a native of Ireland and came to NZ about 40 years ago He was just 62 years of age on the day of his death. He was a man who did good by stealth being of a quiet retiring disposition a good neighbour and ever ready to lend a hand to those in need. He leaves a widow and three sons to mourn their loss. The funeral was largely attended being generally admitted to be the largest ever seen in the district. Hugh Gallen 1861-1923 and Cathern Sullivan 1870-1938 Steamers take over In 1883 the New Zealand government awarded a contract for a monthly mail service between Britain and New Zea- land to the New Zealand Shipping Company and Shaw Savill. The Shipping Company promptly ordered five 15-knot steamers of more than 4,000 tons each. The steamers also carried masts and sails for use when the winds were fa- vourable, to save on coal. Before this, the company chartered two steamers with sails, the British King and the British Queen, for the New Zealand run. Shaw Savill also acquired steamers for the route. Journey by steamer was more comfortable than by sailing ship. Third-class passengers still had to provide their own bedding and mess utensils, and their diet was still based on porridge and preserved and salted meat, but they also enjoyed fresh bread and roast meat. Meals were cooked and served by stewards. The cabins were lit by electricity and heated by steam. Hugh arrived in New Zealand on the British Queen (above) around the 10th May 1883. After his arrival in south Canterbury he worked in the Levels District for some years, and took a position with the Mount Cook Road Board (now the Mackenzie County Council)- building back country roads. Hugh & Cathern had three sons William James, John Hugh & Edward. ARRIVAL OF THE BRITISH QUEEN The Evening Post May 15th 1883 The following is the report of the British Queen's voyage from Plymouth:- "Left Plymouth at 7.35pm on the 24th March; experienced fine weather with light variable winds, and arrived at Santa Cruz (Tenerife) on the 29th; sailed again next day, had very light N E Trades, and crossed the Equator on the 9th April; got very strong S E Trades, which lasted to latitude 20dg S, thence fine weather and light variable winds, and arrived at the Cape of Good Hope on the 15th. Took her departure on the 17th, made the Easting with moderate and variable winds between latitude 39dg and 40dg S. Made Cape Moon light on the 7th inst., passed through Bass Strait, experienced thick, dirty weather while under the land, and fine weather with changeable winds, thence to Cape Farewell, which was passed at 9.30pm on the 12th. Had very thick weather in the Strait, and made the Heads at 1pm on the 13th. Was boarded by Pilot Holmes off the Pinnacles, and anchored off Thornton baths at 8.30pm on Sun- day. The actual steaming time was 48 days 5 hours and 3 minutes. On the 25th April in lat 40dg 4mn S., and long 64dg 42mn W, spoke the barque Eury- lees, bound from Natal to Adelaide with about 60 passengers. She had not been long out, but was short of provisions, and obtained a supply from the British Queen which was considered sufficient to carry her to her destination."
The actual steaming time was 48 days 5 hours and 3 minutes. arrived at Santa Cruz (Tenerife) on the 29th; crossed the Equator on the 9th April; arrived at the Cape of Good Hope on the 15th. British Queen left Plymouth on the 24th March, with 415 pas- sengers on board, a large num- ber being government immi- grants. Generation 3 9
Winifred Gallen 1865-1922 James Wade 1856-1890 1890 Marriages in the District of Timaru No 299, 10th June, 1890 In the Priest's House, Timaru James Wade, 36, Labourer a widower since August 22 1888, birth- place England. Residence: Timaru. Father: Robert Wade, Labourer. Mother: Mary Wade formerly Randall. Winifred Gillon, 24, House Maid, a spinster. Birthplace Ireland. Resi- dence: Timaru. Father: James Gillon, Labourer. Mother: Ellen Gillon, formerly McDavitt. James Foley, officiating minister or registrar. Signed: James Wade and Winifred Gallen. In the presence of us: Michael O'[unclear] and Ellen Gallen. Stamped by Births, Deaths, Marriages: 29 Sep 2009, registration no. 1890/3736, ref no. 9.0189969
Winifred and James had six children Kathleen, Nell, Joe, William, John and Edward
Winifred Gallen 1865-1922 Tim Harnett 1853-1906 NZ Herald newspaper piece about the death of Winifred Harnett. THROWN FROM A TRAP. ELDERLY WOMAN KILLED. [BY TELEGRAPH. PRESS ASSOCIATION] TIMARU, Tuesday. Mrs. Harnett, an elderly resident of Fairlie, was killed this morning at Wash-dyke. While she was driving a horse bolted and she was thrown out of the vehicle. The family story is that after Sunday Mass the parish priest's horse was spooked and his carriage went out of control, running Winifred down. The priest was able to give last rites on the spot. As a result my grandmother, Winifred Mary Clare Harnett (known as Mary, the only child of Winifred and Timothy Harnett) grew up not really knowing her mother's side of the family very well. She was sent to boarding school from a young age but she returned to Fairlie to marry Patrick Keenan, a sheep farmer and my father and his 5 brothers and 1 sister grew up there. Ria Keenan G Granddaughter of Winifred William Wade third son of Winifred & James died in WW1 on the 21st Oct 1917 he was awarded the Dis- tinguished Conduct Medal The Distinguished Conduct Medal was regarded as second only to the Victoria Cross in prestige. The D.C.M. was awarded to Sergeant William Wade for gallantry in the field in the face of the enemy. Wil- liam Wade was also entitled to use the letters D.C.M. after his name. Joe and Edward also fought in The Great War The Great War 1914-18 had a far reaching consequences for Ireland. The human dimension of Irelands contribution to the war effort was enormous, with over 279,000 men (40% of the adult male population) serving in the British armed forces. The front line soldiers endured horrifying conditions and casual- ties reached appalling levelsbarley a village escaped those years without the death of at least one local young man. Winifred and Tim had one child, Winifred Mary Clare (Mary) Mary married Patrick Keenan a sheep farmer from Fairlie. Tragically Winifred was killed in an accident when she was 60 years old in 1922. She had lost both her husbands and a son in the Great War. She is buried beside her first hus- band James Wade in Timaru ceme- tery New Zealand. Generation 3 10
Edward (Ned) Gallen 1866-1943 and Annie Currie 1869-1929 We believe Edward was the first of the family to emigrate to the USA about the 1880,s. He did not stay in America very long but returned to Ireland and then went on to New Zealand (no Dates) Son Teddy was killed in an accident in 1924 at the age of 24. While he was in the US he sent the passage money or as they called it "a ticket" for aunt Hannah and Aunt Bridget to come to the US. Aunt Bridget decided to stay with the Curran Family so my Mother , Mary Ann Gallen came with Hannah. Uncle Edward's granddaughter, Mary Gallen of Limestone Valley, Albury NZ has been in correspondence with us several times a year for over 25 years. We have a picture of the farm and home there. We also have a wedding photograph of Uncle Edward's son John Sheep raising there seems to be their business. (1) Edward sailed on the ship Aorangi to New Zealand and landed on the 21st Aug 1890. Edward and Annie had two sons John James (Johnny Ned) and Edward who died in a car accident. Edward married Margaret Brosnan and had three children Mary, Edward & Rita. Hannah Gallen 1867-1953 Hannah emigrated to the USA about 1889 or 1890 with her sister Mary Ann. Eliza Mc Menamin a neighbour and Roseanne Divenney a friend. She returned to Ireland in 1896. Later she joined brothers and sisters in NZ 30th July 1902. She made a brief visit to Ireland in 1906. She and uncle Bill lived together at Fairlie in NZ, Uncle Joe joined them later. Aunt Hannah was Mary Ann's bridesmaid. (1) Hannah was quite a character and there is some wonderful stories about her. There is a story that, on finding Bill dead in his bed, she harnessed the buggy and set of for Fairlie where she made several large purchases in Bill's name before calling on the Doctor to attend to Bill who was sick. The Dr found Bill well and truly dead in his bed, he had died peacefully in his sleep the night before !! Hannah never married. Generation 3 11
James Gallen emigrated to Philadelphia in 1904 but only stayed for about a year he did not like the climate. He married Mary Mc Geehan in 1910 and they took over the running of the farm from his father Jamie. Mary McGeehan was natural Irish speaker from Balinamore Fintown Co Donegal. Mary was hired out at an early age at the Strabane hiring fare. She was hired to a Castlederg family who ran a forge in the town. They had eight children William James, Madge, Nellie, Mick, Daniel, Hugh, John and Aiden (My father) the baby in the photo opposite taken in 1931. James and Mary bought the other half of the McDaid farm when Paddy McDaid died in 1937. Below is a photo of the house in Kilclean about the mid 1950s. You can just see Marian my sister and myself standing at the front door. Back in the year 1930 or thereabouts the people of Ireland lived a different life than that of today. People had their own milk, made their own butter and bread. The flour used was got from milling the wheat which they grew on the land.
They had no electricity or electric or gas ovens. They used a "bastible" or pot oven. The bastible was the main way of cooking. Turf was used to make the fire. They cut the turf in the bog, dried it and drew it home with donkeys and baskets or if they were lucky they had a horse and slide. To come back to the "bastible" it was used as I have said to bake bread. The turf coals were placed on the lid and the fire distributed under and around the sides. It was also used to boil meat and potatoes, roast chicken, duck or goose. It was the most useful utensil around the house. The main meat used was bacon. Pigs were fattened by boiling small potatoes which again were home grown, mixed with crusted oats or barley to which a little skim milk was added. The chicken was usually a Sunday treat. Then once a month when the man of the house would go to the fair he would bring home a piece of fresh meat . what we now know as round steak. That was the only meat purchased. All the rest was home produced Photo The Strabane Hireing Fair Between the 17th and 19th century, thousands of men and women were driven by hunger and poverty to move long distances within Ulster to work as labourers. Desperate to re- duce the number of mouths to feed and to pay the landlords rent, many parents also sent their children to work for distant farmers. Workers who did succeed in finding a position were generally hired for 6 months or a term as it was called. This saved employers having to pay weekly wages to employees during times when there was little farm work or labouring to be done.
The amount paid to these hired workers varied according to their location, the market prices farmers were receiving for their produce at the time, and the workers age, gender and abili- ties. Horsemen generally earned the top wage of 8-12 per term, followed by cowmen earning between 7-10 and labourers who received about 5-7 per term. Female employees undoubtedly had the greatest range of responsibilities, Yet, women earned up to 50% less than men - about 3 per term and stood no real chance of promotion. Photo Castlederg around 1930 James Gallen 1869-1957 Mary McGeehan 1886-1938 Generation 3 12
Mary Ann Gallen 1871-1953 Bernard Gallen 1860-1945 Married Bernard Gallen (note same surname) on 30 April 1896 in St James Roman Catholic Church, 38th and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia. Mary Ann came to the USA in 1895 and married 1 year later in 1896. She worked as a domestic until marriage. While my fa- ther remained here in US my mother paid a visit to her parents in Ireland in June 1908. My sister Pheny was born three months later - she was the first one born in the new house 'the Brae' My mother planned to stay a summer but she stayed until her mother died in March 1911. In the meantime we moved to a little cottage nearer school. We returned to the US in October 1911. My father and mother visited Ireland again in 1932 at the time of the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin. My mother was fiercely loyal to the land of her birth and had an intense love for her children who were also devoted to her until her death. I always thought my mother was a beautiful woman. (1)
Mary Ann and Bernard had 8 children, Thomas, Mary Ellen, James, John, Josephine (Died age 1) Bernard, Kathleen (Pheny) and William. Bernard and his sister Mary left us a lot of the family history notes for us to enjoy. Many thanks to them. While my father remained here in US my mother paid a visit to her parents in Ireland in June 1908. My sister Pheny was born three months later - she was the first one born in the new house 'the Brae' My mother planned to stay a summer but she stayed until her mother died in March 1911. Catherine Gallen 1877 - 1894
Civil Death Record Name: Catherine Gallen Date of Death: 11-Mar-1894 Age: 17 Parish / District: CASTLEDERG Address: Kilcleen County: TYRONE Status: Spinster (Previously unmarried) Occupation: FARMER'S DAUGHTER Sex: Female
Graveyard Informant Graveyard: Relationship: Father Parish: Name: James Gallen County: Address: Kilcleen
Notes: TUBERCULAR CONSUMPTION 6 MONTHS CERTIFIED.
Catherine was the youngest child of Jamie and Eleanor, she died age 17 on the 11th March 1894. The above Civil Death record is the only evidence I can find for Catherine. Generation 3 13
Michael Gal len 1872-1932 Mary Hanifin 1892-1969 Michael (Mick) emigrated to New Zealand in 1907, landing in Bluff. He worked and contracted around Fairlie until 1913 when he was able to lease the 250 acres which made up "Tara Hill" a property on a hill not far from the township of Fairlie which reflects to some extent the farm which the family members left in Ireland. Michael had a sub leased on the farm from his older brother William who had bought the farm in 1895. In 1916 Michael bought the farm from Bill outright , according to the land records of Mackenzie County Council. He built a hut on the property to save going up and down the hill each day. As well as his hut, Mick built a shed before starting the house, once his occupancy of the property was confirmed. This is where he and his wife Mary (nee Hanifin) reared their six children. On the farm they ran mainly sheep but milked six or seven cows by hand as well. Butter was made and sold at four pence a pound and eggs sold at six pence a dozen. Mick died when his youngest child Teresa was only four and his eldest Jim was fifteen in 1932 age 60. Michael and Mary had 6 children James, Patrick, Mary Ann, (Maureen) Edward. Josephine (Julia) and Teresa. Left is Michael with his team of horses pulling disk harrows Back row: Paddy and Cornelius) Con Hanifin (brides brother) Mary Hanifin (Bride) Michael Gallen (groom) Eddie Wade (grooms cousin) Front row Annie Hanifin (bride sister) and Mary Robinson (grooms cousin) When Michael died in 1932 the family carried on with the farm. James Cornelius Gallen (Michael and Marys eldest son) took over responsibility of looking after his mother and siblings at the age of 15 after his father died. James married Naumai Edwyina Anniss in 1946 in Fairlie. In 1938 Mary moved to Temuka and James took over running sheep only. This was not very successful so in 1941 the farm was sold. James and his brother Patrick bought a chaff cutting business and home for the family in Grey Street Fairlie. James died age 39 and Naumia lived to be 81 years. James & Naumai Wedding Best Man Brother Patrick Gallen & Bridesmaid sis- ter Julia Gallen 1946 Hill of Tara (Irish: Cnoc na Teamhrach, located near the River Boyne, is an archaeological complex that runs be- tween Navan and Dunshaughlin in County Meath, Ireland. It contains a number of ancient monuments, and according to tradition, was the seat of the High King of Ireland. The farm in New Zealand is named Tara Hill Generation 3 14
Joseph never married, he lived at home in the family home until he emigrated to New Zealand about 1912. He lived with Aunt Hannah and Uncle Bill in Fairlie. He came home to Ireland some years later and bought a 40 acre farm, part of which was a portion of the original McDade farm formerly owned by his maternal grandparents. He returned to New Zealand some time later. The 40 acres he bought is now part of Aidan's property. The farm is still in the Gallen name. Below Joes House in New Zealand Margaret Steen (nee Gallen) wrote I can remember Uncle Joe (my fathers James Gallens uncle) occasionally biking to our house from the other end of Denmark Street. He was very polite and quietly spoken. He would sit and have a cup of tea with my mother. Around his neck, tucked under his shirt, he wore a little bag on a string and he would pull the little bag out and take a note of money from the roll that was kept in there and gave it to my mum to help with the girls (me and my three sisters). When he died he left a little bit of money to Jims Maumia - my mother in his will, which was read at the graveside Joseph Gallen 18771963 Above Castlederg Main St in the 1920s Below Joe Gallen in New Zealand with his dogs standing beside a Ferguson TE20 tractor. Ferguson Model TE20 was an agricultural tractor designed by Harry Ferguson from Northern Ire- land Generation 3 15
The American Wake The mixed emotions surrounding the departure of an Irish emigrant were difficult for both the emigrant and his/her family and friends to contain. On the one hand was the possibility of a better life a healthier , more prosperous and fulfilling life than Ireland could offer. On the other was the deep sorrow of knowing that, in all likelihood, the emigrant would never see the homeland, or these family and friends, again.
Very few Irish immigrants to America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand ever returned to their homelands. So the use of the term 'Wake' was symbolic; just as the dead did not return, nor would the emigrant. The loss was permanent.
The American Wake was the party held on the night before departure. A typical Irish party, it involved food, drink, music, singing, dancing, and storytelling -- often tales about the emigrant when caught in some mischief or in doing some kindness. The practice was not dissimilar to the Wake held after a death except that, instead of accompanying the dearly departed to the churchyard, friends and relatives would accom- pany the emigrant on at least the first stages of their journey to the port. There the final farewells would be said. During the Famine, the wake was toned down, if not held at all. The Social Consequences of mass Irish emigration
Because the phenomenon of mass Irish emigration was largely prompted by the terrible catastrophe of the Great Hunger (the 'famine' of the late 1840s), the consequences of one cannot be separated from the other.
Having been removed from their small strips of land through failure to pay rent, starva- tion hit the landless and the poorest hardest, as you would expect. Smallholders (ie those with small farms of just a few acres) also sold up to a large landowner or accepted their offer of passage to North America. Within a few years, the numbers of farms of less than five acres had been at least halved in number.
The reality of the famine saw acceptance that farming methods had to change; such dependence on one crop - the potato - could not be repeated, so more livestock farms were created.
So, in the second half of the 19th century, Irish emigration typically saw the unskilled, single and young -- the 15- to 24-year-olds -- set sail. Nearly as many women as men left.
Irish emigration in the 19th century
At least 8 million men, women and children emigrated from Ireland between 1801 and 1921. That number is equal to the total population of the island in the fourth decade of the 19th century. The high rate of Irish emigration was unequalled in any other country and reflects both the over- seas demand for immigrant labour and the appalling lack of employment and prospects for the average Irish person. 19th-century emigration from Ireland is usually broken down into three distinct phases: 1815-1845, when 1 million left; 1846-1855, when 2.5 million left; and 1856-1914 when 4 million departed.
These figures are considered underestimates because it is difficult to ascertain the numbers who settled permanently in mainland Britain. Ireland was still a part of Britain, so travel to or from the mainland was not subject to any scrutiny. About 80% of Irish immigrants who left their homes in this period were aged between 18 and 30 years old. As the figures above suggest, Irish emigration levels up to 1847 did not materially reduce the population of Ireland. But in that year, the first after the potato harvest had failed so spectacularly, the exodus really began. According to figures collated 15 years later, some 215,444 per- sons emigrated to North America and other British Colonies in that one year alone. This doubled the previous year's figures for Irish emigra- tion. Between 1841 and March 1851, North America was the most popular destination while some 300,000 went to Australia. Irish emigration direct to New Zealand did not get underway until later. An estimated average of 2,000 people emigrated there between 1871 and 1920. - See more at: http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/Irish-emigration.html#sthash.BFtgsI1J.dpuf The American Wake 16