Thomas Fitzgerald & Elizabeth Lysaght: Research Notes

Goal: Identify the parents of Thomas Fitzgerald and his wife Elizabeth Lysaght, and place them within their family units.

Table of Contents

The Family of Thomas Fitzgerald & Elizabeth Lysaght of Askeaton

Marriage of Thomas Fitzgerald to Elizabeth Lysaght

Thomas Fitzgerald of Askeaton, bachelor painter, age 28, son of John Fitzgerald a farmer of Askeaton, was married on 24 September 1870 at the Roman Catholic Church of Askeaton; to Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lysaght of Askeaton, age 20, spinster daughter of Patrick Lysaght a miller of Askeaton.

The record lays the groundwork for the research. It also gives estimated birth years for Thomas Fitzgerald as between September 1841 and 1842, and Lizzie Lysaght between September 1849 and 1850.

Marriage record abstract: Solemnized at the Roman Catholic Church of Askeaton in the Registrar’s District of Askeaton in the Union of Limerick in the County of Limerick. No. 74. 24 September 1870. Thomas Fitzgerald of Askeaton, age 28, Bachelor, Painter, son of John Fitzgerald, Farmer; to Lizzie Lysaght of Askeaton, age 20, spinster, daughter of Patrick Lysaght, Miller. Witnesses were Thomas Lynch and Mary Fitzgerald.
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/marriage_returns/marriages_1870/11396/8184940.pdf

Children of Thomas Fitzgerald & Elizabeth Lysaght

ChildBirthDeathMarried
Mary Fitzgerald29 Jul 1871
Askeaton		22 Oct 1880
Sand Mall, Limerick		Unmarried
died of scarlet fever, aged 9 years
John Fitzgerald21 Jun 1872
Askeaton		23 Jul 1873
Askeaton		Unmarried
died of convulsions, aged 1 year
Margaret Fitzgerald ⭐27 May 1873
Askeaton		11 Jun 1949
Albany, NY		28 June 1899, St. Joseph’s, Albany, NY
Michael Sullivan
Patrick Fitzgerald24 Oct 1874
Askeaton		09 Feb 1875
Askeaton		Unmarried
died of diarrhea, aged 3 months
Thomas Fitzgerald22 Nov 1875
Askeaton		28 Mar 1951
25 Emmet Pl., Limerick		27 Jun 1910, St. Joseph’s, Limerick, Co. L
Helena Connolly
Occupation: Railway Painter
Ellen Fitzgerald28 Nov 1877
Askeaton		22 Jun 1911
Limerick Hospital		Unmarried
died of typhoid fever, aged 33 years
Patrick Fitzgerald02 Aug 1880
Askeaton		09 Nov 1959
William St., Askeaton		14 Feb 1920, Askeaton
Margaret Collins
Occupation: Painter
Michael Fitzgerald27 Nov 1882
Askeaton		26 Feb 1944
Askeaton		09 Sep 1916, St. Joseph’s, Limerick, Co. L
Mary Kenny
Occupation: Painter
Mary Elizabeth Fitzgerald15 Aug 1884
Askeaton		09 Aug 1889
Askeaton		Unmarried
died of gastritis, aged 5 years
Catherine Fitzgerald15 Mar 1886
Askeaton		Before April 191110 Aug 1909, St. Michael’s, Limerick, Co. L
John Egan
John is recorded as a widower on 1911 census
John Joseph Fitzgerald11 Aug 1888
Askeaton		08 Mar 1962
West Square, Askeaton		Unmarried on 1911 census; was a painter;
had a daughter named Christina
David Fitzgerald15 Apr 1890
Askeaton		28 Mar 1975
Unmarried on 1911 census

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Birth & baptismal records for the children of Thomas Fitzgerald & Elizabeth Lysaght

(1.) Mary Fitzgerald was born 29 July 1871 and was baptized 12 August 1871 in the parish of Askeaton.

“August 1871 […] ✗ 12. Mary of Thomas Fitz Gerald and Lizzy Lysaght. Sps. Patrick Lysaght and Ellen Fitz Gerald: M. Fitz Gerald C.C.” — Parish of Askeaton and Ballysteen; County of Limerick; Diocese of Limerick. Baptisms, 03 Oct. 1861 to 18 Jul. 1880; Microfilm 02419 / 05; Page 39
Link to the record: https://registers.nli.ie/pages/vtls000634916_039 (Catholic Parish Registers at the NLI)

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 33. 29 July 1871. Askeaton. Female. Mary of Thomas Fitzgerald, painter, and Eliza formerly Lysaght of Askeaton. Registered 13 September 1871 (Group Registration ID 11728365).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1871/03280/2202012.pdf

DEATHS Registered in the District of St. Mary’s in the Union of Limerick in the County of Limerick
No. 467. 22 October 1880. Sand Mall. Female. Daughter of a painter. Aged 9 years. Died of scarlet fever, 4 days, certified. Signed by Ellen Lysaght, Sand Mall, in attendance during last illness. Registered 10 November 1880 (Group Registration ID 6271861).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/deaths_returns/deaths_1880/06455/4855647.pdf

(2.) John Fitzgerald was born 21 June 1872 and was baptized 23 June 1872 in the parish of Askeaton. He died 23 July 1872 in Askeaton, at the age of one month.

“Mensis Junii 1872 […] 23. Baptizavi Joannem fil. legit. Thomae Fitzgerald et Elizabethae Lysaght. Spon. Mauritio Lysaght et Helena Lysaght: D.R. Shanahan C.C.” — Parish of Askeaton and Ballysteen; County of Limerick; Diocese of Limerick. Baptisms, 03 Oct. 1861 to 18 Jul. 1880; Microfilm 02419 / 05; Page 45
Link to the record: https://registers.nli.ie/pages/vtls000634916_045 (Catholic Parish Registers at the NLI)

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 149. 21 June 1872. Askeaton. Male. John, of Thomas Fitzgerald, painter, and Eliza formerly Lysaght of Askeaton. Registered 29 June 1871 (Group Registration ID 11077390).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1872/03242/2188121.pdf

DEATHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 94. 23 July 1872. Askeaton. Male. John Fitzgerald, son of a painter. Aged one month. Died of “convulsions. 2 days, no certified medical attendant.” Signed by Eliza Fitzgerald of Askeaton, who was present at death. Registered 31 July 1872 (Group Registration ID 7335095).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/deaths_returns/deaths_1872/020722/7270728.pdf

(3.) ⭐ Margaret Fitzgerald was born 27 May 1873 and was baptized 1 June 1873 in the parish of Askeaton.

“Mensis Junii 1873 […] 1. Baptizavi Margaritam fil. legit. Thomae Fitz Gerald et Elizabethae Lysaght de Askeaton. Spon. Patricio Lysaght et Maria Fitz Gerald: D.R. Shanahan C.C.” — Parish of Askeaton and Ballysteen; County of Limerick; Diocese of Limerick. Baptisms, 03 Oct. 1861 to 18 Jul. 1880; Microfilm 02419 / 05; Page 52
Link to the record: https://registers.nli.ie/pages/vtls000634916_052 (Catholic Parish Registers at the NLI)

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 285. 27 May 1873. Askeaton. Female. Margaret, of Thomas Fitzgerald, painter, and Eliza formerly Lysaght of Askeaton.Registered 7 June 1873 (Group Registration ID 9307932).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1873/03191/2170287.pdf

(4.) Patrick Fitzgerald was born and was baptized 24 October 1874 in the parish of Askeaton. He died 9 February 1875 in Askeaton, at the age of 3 months.

“Mensis Octobris 1874 […] 24. ✗ Baptizavit Patricium fil. legit. Thomae Fitz Gerald de Askeaton et Elizabethae Lysaght. Spon. Patricio Keenny[?] et Margarita O’Rourke: Rev. Jn. Fitz Gerald, C.C.” — Parish of Askeaton and Ballysteen; County of Limerick; Diocese of Limerick. Baptisms, 03 Oct. 1861 to 18 Jul. 1880; Microfilm 02419 / 05; Page 60
Link to the record: https://registers.nli.ie/pages/vtls000634916_060 (Catholic Parish Registers at the NLI)

DEATHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 285. 9 February 1875. Askeaton. Male. Patrick Fitzgerald, son of a painter. Aged 3 months. Died of “Diarrhoea 12 days, certified.” Signed by Eliza Fitzgerald of Askeaton, present at death. Registered 13 February 1875 (Group Registration ID 7593830).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/deaths_returns/deaths_1875/020628/7237601.pdf

(5.) Thomas Fitzgerald was born 22 November 1875 and was baptized 24 November 1875 in the parish of Askeaton.

“Novembris 1875 […] 24. Baptizavit Thomam fil legit Thomae Fitzgerald et Elizabethae Lysaght. Spon. Patricio Lysaght et Catherina Houlihan: Rev. E. Tracey C.C.” — Parish of Askeaton and Ballysteen; County of Limerick; Diocese of Limerick. Baptisms, 03 Oct. 1861 to 18 Jul. 1880; Microfilm 02419 / 05; Page 67
Link to the record: https://registers.nli.ie/pages/vtls000634916_067 (Catholic Parish Registers at the NLI)

(6.) Ellen Fitzgerald was born 28 November 1877 and was baptized 2 December 1877 in the parish of Askeaton. She died 22 June 1911 in Limerick City, unmarried, aged 33 years.

“Decembris 1877 […] 2. Rev. I. Liston baptizavit Helenam fil. legit. Thomae Fitzgerald et Elizabethae Lysaght. Spon. Iohannes Whelan et Helena Lysaght.” — Parish of Askeaton and Ballysteen; County of Limerick; Diocese of Limerick. Baptisms, 03 Oct. 1861 to 18 Jul. 1880; Microfilm 02419 / 05; Page 79
Link to the record: https://registers.nli.ie/pages/vtls000634916_079 (Catholic Parish Registers at the NLI)

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 292. 28 November 1877. Askeaton. Female. Ellen of Thomas Fitzgerald, painter, and Eliza formerly Lysaght of Askeaton. Registered 5 December 1877 (Group Registration ID 11195823).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1877/02983/2092925.pdf

DEATHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 326. 22 June 1911. Limerick Hospital. Ellen Fitzgerald, spinster, from Askeaton. Female. Aged 33 years. Died of “Enteric [typhoid] fever, 6 weeks, certified.” Registered 4 July 1911 (Group Registration ID 5195679).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/deaths_returns/deaths_1911/05385/4502928.pdf

(7.) Patrick Fitzgerald was born 2 August 1880 and was baptized 10 August 1880 in the parish of Askeaton.

“Mensis Augusti 1880 […] 10. Rev. E. Russell baptizavit Patricium filium legit. Thomae Fitzgerald et Elizabethae Lysaght.
Spon. Iohannes Fitzgerald et Maria Sheahan.” — Parish of Askeaton and Ballysteen; County of Limerick; Diocese of Limerick. Baptisms, 03 Oct. 1861 to 18 Jul. 1880; Microfilm 02419 / 05; Page 91
Link to the record: https://registers.nli.ie/pages/vtls000634916_091 (Catholic Parish Registers at the NLI)

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 82. 2 August 1880. Askeaton. Male. Patrick of Thomas Fitzgerald, painter, and Elizabeth formerly Lysaght of Askeaton.
Registered 21 August 1880 (Group Registration ID 8823751).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1880/02857/2046939.pdf

(8.) Michael Fitzgerald was born 27 November 1882 in Askeaton.

Note: The National Library of Ireland has only digitized records for the parish of Askeaton up to 18 July 1880.

Michael of Thomas Fitzgerald, baptized 2 Dec 1882, Askeaton. Sponsors, John Lysaght, Margaret Fitzgerald (Roots Ireland Record ID 1252395).

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 47. 27 November 1882. Askeaton. Male. Michael of Thomas Fitzgerald, painter, and Elizabeth formerly Lysaght of Askeaton. Signed by Margaret Kenneally, the midwife present at birth. Registered 20 December 1882 (Group Registration ID 11521138).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1882/02755/2012137.pdf

(9.) Mary Elizabeth Fitzgerald was born 15 August 1884 in Askeaton. She died 9 August 1889 in Askeaton, aged 4 years, 11 months, and 25 days.

Maria Elisabetha, Thomae Fitzgerald, Askeaton, baptizata est 17 Augusti 1884. Sponsores: Iessa Fitzgerald et Helena Lysaght (Roots Ireland Record ID 1252416).

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 197. 15 August 1884. Askeaton. Female. Mary Elizabeth of Thomas Fitzgerald, House Painter, and Elizabeth formerly Lysaght of Askeaton. Signed by Margaret Kenneally, the midwife present at birth. Registered 23 August 1884 (Group Registration ID 10648507).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1884/02675/1985618.pdf

DEATHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 11. 9 August 1889. Askeaton. Mary Fitzgerald. Female. Aged about 5 years. Died of “Gastritis, 4 days, not certified, no medical attendant.” Signed by Elizabeth Fitzgerald, mother, present at death. Registered 21 August 1889 (Group Registration ID 6483911).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/deaths_returns/deaths_1889/06129/4750606.pdf

(10.) Catherine (Kate) Fitzgerald was born 15 March 1886 in Askeaton. She married John Egan on 10 August 1909 at St. Michael’s Church in Limerick City.

Catarina, Thomae Fitzgerald, Askeaton, baptizata est die 24 mensis Martii anno 1886. Sponsores: Thomas Fitzgerald, filius, et Anna Kennedy (Roots Ireland Record ID 1252425).

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 86. 15 March 1886. Askeaton. Female. Catherine of Thomas Fitzgerald, House Painter, and Elizabeth formerly Lysaght of Askeaton. Signed by Thomas Fitzgerald, father. Registered 27 March 1886 (Group Registration ID 11050680).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1886/02609/1963476.pdf

MARRIAGE solemnized at the Roman Catholic Church of St. Michael in the Registrar’s District No. 2 in the Union of Limerick in the County of the City of Limerick.
No. 90. 10 August 1909. John Egan of Askeaton, age 25, bachelor, farmer, son of John Egan, farmer; to Catherine Fitzgerald of Askeaton, of age, spinster, daughter of Thomas Fitzgerald, Painter. Witnesses were Michael Fitzgerald, and Ellen Fitzgerald, of West Square, Askeaton.
Link to the record:

(11.) John Joseph Fitzgerald was born 11 August 1888 in Askeaton.

John of Thomas Fitzgerald, baptized 14 Aug 1888, Askeaton. Sponsors, Terrence Farrell, Margaret McDonnell (Roots Ireland Record ID 1252443)

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 44. 11 August 1888. Askeaton. Male. John Joseph of Thomas Fitzgerald, House Painter, and Elizabeth formerly Lysaght of Askeaton. Signed by Elizabeth Fitzgerald, mother. Registered 19 September 1888 (Group Registration ID 10205707).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1888/02501/1927549.pdf

(12.) David Fitzgerald was born 15 April 1890 in Askeaton.

David of Thomas Fitzgerald, baptized 20 April 1890, Askeaton. Sponsors, Patrick Farrell, Mary Shanahan (Roots Ireland Record ID 1252449).

BIRTHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 156. 15 April 1890. Askeaton. Male. David of Thomas Fitzgerald, painter, and Elizabeth formerly Lysaght of Askeaton.
Signed by Elizabeth Fitzgerald, mother. Registered 7 May 1890 (Group Registration ID 9576461).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/birth_returns/births_1890/02425/1903302.pdf

Summary of baptismal sponsors of children of Thomas Fitzgerald & Elizabeth Lysaght

ChildSponsor 1Sponsor 2
Mary, b. 1871Patrick LysaghtEllen Fitzgerald
John, b. 1872Maurice LysaghtEllen Lysaght
Margaret, b. 1873 ⭐Patrick LysaghtMary Fitzgerald
Patrick, b. 1874Patrick KennyMargaret O’Rourke
Thomas, b. 1875Patrick LysaghtCatherine Houlihan
Ellen, b. 1877John WhelanEllen Lysaght
Patrick, b. 1880John FitzgeraldMary Sheahan
Michael, b. 1882John LysaghtMargaret Fitzgerald
Mary Elizabeth, b. 1884James FitzgeraldEllen Lysaght
Catherine, b. 1886Thomas FitzgeraldAnna Kennedy
John Joseph, b. 1888Terrence FarrellMargaret McDonnell
David, b. 1890Patrick FarrellMary Shanahan

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Irish naming patterns and the children of Thomas Fitzgerald & Elizabeth Lysaght

Theory: Given Irish naming patterns, it’s *possible* Thomas’ mother was named Mary, with the Mary Fitzgerald of Cloonreask in corroboration with this assumption. However, with supporting evidence, her name could also be Margaret, or Ellen, or anything else. Irish naming patterns can sometimes assist; while not absolute, this naming pattern was extremely prevalent throughout Ireland in the 1800s:

1st son was named for the father’s father (or sometimes, a step father)
2nd son was named for the mother’s father (or sometimes, a step father)
3rd son was named for the father
4th son was named for the father’s eldest (or closest) brother
5th son was named for the mother’s eldest (or closest) brother

1st daughter was named for the mother’s mother (or sometimes, a step mother)
2nd daughter was named for the father’s mother (or sometimes, a step mother)
3rd daughter was named for the mother
4th daughter was named for the mother’s eldest (or closest) sister
5th daughter was named for the father’s eldest (or closest) sister

ChildBornName PatternNotes
Mary29 Jul 18711st daughterdied 22 Oct 1880
John21 Jun 1872✓ 1st son, named for Thomas’s fatherdied 23 Jul 1873
Margaret ⭐27 May 1873✓ 2nd daughter, named for Elizabeth’s motherimmigrated to the USA in 1897
Patrick24 Oct 1874✓ 2nd son, named for Elizabeth’s fatherdied 09 Feb 1875
Thomas22 Nov 1875✓ 3rd son, named for Thomas
Ellen28 Nov 18773rd daughterdied 22 Jun 1911, unmarried
Patrick2 Aug 18804th son, likely named for older brother who died
Michael27 Nov 18825th son
Mary Elizabeth15 Aug 18844th daughter, likely named for older sister who dieddied 09 Aug 1889
Catherine15 Mar 18865th daughter
John Joseph11 Aug 18886th son, likely named for older brother who died
David15 Apr 18907th son

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Thomas Fitzgerald of West Square, Askeaton West

All of the children born to Thomas Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Lysaght were recorded in the civil parish of Askeaton, often simply as “of Askeaton,” without a townland named. In Irish sources, “Askeaton” can refer to the town itself, the townland, the church parish, or the wider civil parish in the barony of Connello Lower, County Limerick; that civil parish contains 18 townlands within it. The place name is from Irish Eas Géitine meaning “the waterfall of Géitine,” with Géitine being an old Irish personal name (see: https://www.logainm.ie/en/1411946).

The Location of West Square on current maps

Church administration adds another layer: in the 1830s the Roman Catholic parish of Askeaton, in the Union of Askeaton, in the Diocese of Limerick is described with chapels at Askeaton and Ballysteen, both thatched. The parish was omitted from 1848 directory listings, instead being grouped in with the Union of Rathkeale (see: https://www.swilson.info/rcparishlink.php?seldioceseid=18&selrcparid=1044&parl=1&lmode=map&anch=0&bsrch=).

In the 1852 printing of Griffith’s Valuation, a Mary Fitzgerald is recorded in Cloonreask, in the Town of Askeaton on Main Street. The townland of Cloonreask, meaning “pasture of the marshes,” is in the Askeaton West electoral division, within the civil parish of Askeaton on the west side of the River Deel.

According to the valuation map, this is almost the exact same spot as West Square where Thomas Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Lysaght later lived.

Family of Thomas Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Lysaght on the 1901 Census of Ireland

Census of Ireland; taken on 31 March 1901; actually dated 04 April
Link to the record: https://nationalarchives.ie/collections/search-the-census/view-pdf/?doc=nai001013793
West Square, Askeaton West: A private dwelling of 3 rooms, with 4 windows in the front. The house had solid walls of brick or stone, a wooden or thatched roof, and had a piggery. All members of the household were Roman Catholic; they could all read and write, and were all born in Co. Limerick.

  1. Thomas Fitzgerald, Head of Family, age 60, Painter, married [b. between March 1840 and 1841]
  2. Elizabeth Fitzgerald, wife, age 49, married [1851-2]
  3. Thomas Fitzgerald, Son, age 24, Painter, not married [1876-7]
  4. Patrick Fitzgerald, Son, age 19, Painter, not married [1881-2]
  5. Michael Fitzgerald, Son, age 18, scholar, not married [1882-3]
  6. John Fitzgerald, Son, age 12, scholar [1888-9]
  7. David Fitzgerald, Son, age 10, scholar [1890-1]
  8. Ellen Fitzgerald, Daughter, age 20, scholar, not married [1880-1]
  9. Kate Fitzgerald, Daughter, age 14, scholar, not married [1886-7]

Family of Thomas Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Lysaght on the 1911 Census of Ireland

Census of Ireland; taken 02 April 1911; actually dated 18 April
Link to the record: https://nationalarchives.ie/collections/search-the-census/census-record/?census_year=1911&ded__icontains=Askeaton&id=2794221
West Square, Askeaton West: A private dwelling of 4 rooms, with 5 windows in the front. The house had solid walls of brick or stone, a wooden or thatched roof. The farm-steadings included a stable and coach house, a piggery and a foul house. The property was owned by E. G. Hewson, Esquire. All members of the household were Roman Catholic; they could all read and write, and were all born in Co. Limerick.

  1. Thomas Fitzgerald, Head of Family, age 72 [April 1838-9], Painter, married 40 years
  2. Lizzie Fitzgerald, Wife, age 62 [1848-9], married 40 years, 12 children total, 7 living
  3. Patrick Fitzgerald, Son, age 29 [1881-2], Painter, single
  4. Michael Fitzgerald, Son, age 27 [1883-4], Painter, single
  5. John J. Fitzgerald, Son, age 22 [1888-9], Painter, single
  6. David Fitzgerald, Son, age 20 [1890-1], Painter
  7. Mary Kate Corbett, Visitor, age 23 [1887-8], single

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Death of Thomas Fitzgerald of Askeaton

DEATHS Registered in the District of Askeaton in the Union of Rathkeale in the County of Limerick
No. 119. 26 September 1914. Askeaton. Thomas Fitzgerald. Male. Married. Age 71 years. Died of “Catarrhal Pneumonia, 9 months & Heart Failure. Certified.” Signed by Elizabeth Fitzgerald, present at death. Registered 30 September 1914 (Group Registration ID 5384142).
Link to the record: https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/deaths_returns/deaths_1914/05292/4471205.pdf

Askeaton Franciscan Friary, the Fitzgerald monument

Thomas Fitzgerald (d. 19 Sept 1914) and his wife Elizabeth Fitzgerald, née Lysaght (d. 25 Jan 1926), are commemorated on a family memorial in the Franciscan Friary burial ground in Askeaton, Co. Limerick. The same monument also names their daughter Ellen (d. 22 June 1911) and other Fitzgerald relatives. You can see their monument pictured here: https://historicgraves.com/franciscan-friary-moig-south/li-akff-0012/grave

This burial ground sits at the ruined Askeaton Franciscan Friary, a historic site on the River Deel just north of the village. It was a Franciscan house, generally dated to the late 1300s or early 1400s, often linked to Gerald FitzGerald, 3rd Earl of Desmond (c. 1389–1400).

There are some beautiful images of the friary here: https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/2017/04/30/a-visit-to-askeaton-friary/

Additionally, you can read in depth about the friary’s history here: http://monastic.ie/history/askeaton-franciscan-friary/

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Family of Patrick Lysaght and Margaret Shiel

By some Irish miracle of fate, there appears to be only one Elizabeth daughter of a Patrick Lysaght that fits:

Elizabeth Lysaght was baptized 7 October 1850 at the church of St. Michael’s in Limerick City.

Baptismal record abstract: 1850 7 Oct. By Rev. James Synan[?], Elizabeth of Patrick Lysaght and Margaret Shiels. Spons. Thomas O’Donnell and Sarah Flahavan.
Source: Parish of St. Michael’s, Limerick City; County of Limerick; Diocese of Limerick. Baptisms, 09 Dec. 1838 to 27 Dec. 1852; Microfilm 02416 / 03, Page 226, imaged Catholic Parish Registers at the National Library of Ireland.
Link to the record: https://registers.nli.ie/pages/vtls000635028_266

Patrick Lysaght and Margaret Shiel were married 5 October 1837 at St. Patrick’s Church in Limerick City. Witnesses were John Green and Martin Shiel.
Link to the record: https://registers.nli.ie/pages/vtls000635037_133

The first eight children of Patrick Lysaght and Margaret Shiel were baptized at St. Michael’s, Limerick City. The youngest three were baptized at the Roman Catholic Church of Askeaton:

ChildBirth / Bapt.
Sponsors		Notes
Michael Lysaght01 Oct 1838
St. Michael’s, Limerick		Married Feb 1863, Askeaton
Elizabeth Shanahan
Thomas Lysaght16 Nov 1840
St. Michael’s, Limerick
Mary Lysaght29 Sep 1842
St. Michael’s, Limerick
Patrick Lysaght09 Dec 1843
St. Michael’s, Limerick		Married 24 Nov 1878, Limerick
Catherine McNamara
Margaret Lysaght16 Sep 1845
St. Michael’s, Limerick
Edmond Lysaght16 Feb 1847
St. Michael’s, Limerick
John Lysaght29 Jan 1849
St. Michael’s, Limerick		Died 07 May 1865, Askeaton
of scarlet fever
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lysaght ⭐07 Oct 1850
St. Michael’s, Limerick		Married 24 Sep 1870, Askeaton
Thomas Fitzgerald
Cornelius Lysaght23 Dec 1852
Askeaton
(John Gleeson & Mary Corken)
Ellen Lysaght28 Oct 1855
Askeaton
(Thos. Russell & Cath. McMahon)
Catherine Lysaght31 Jul 1857
Askeaton
(Walt. Cantwell & Mary Lysaght)		Died 15 Apr 1866, Askeaton
of hydrocephalus

Only one Patrick Lysaght appears in St. Michael’s Parish on Griffith’s Valuation printing date 1850. He was living on Hennessy’s Lane off Henry Street, Boher Buoy, Prior’s Townland. He leased a “house and yard” from Esther Hennessy for the yearly amount of £1 10s (£1.50). 1 pound 10 shillings in 1850 Ireland would be the equivalent of about $344.35 USD in 2025, adjusted for inflation.

Elizabeth Lysaght was godmother of her niece Margaret, born 15 Mar 1868 in Askeaton, to Michael and Elizabeth. The godfather was Maurice Lysaght.

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A Family for Thomas

What is known: Thomas was born somewhere between April 1838 and September 1843. His father was named John, and was farmer.

Date of RecordAgeEst. Birth DateRecordInformant
Sep 187028bet. Sep. 1841-1842Marriage Recordlikely himself
Mar 190160bet. Mar. 1840-18411901 Censusunknown
Apr 191172bet. Apr. 1838-18391911 Censusunknown
Sep 191471bet. Sep 1842-1843Death Recordhis wife
Sep 191474bet. 1839-1840Gravestoneunknown

Fitzgerald witnesses of events in Thomas’s life include:

  • Mary Fitzgerald (1870)
  • Ellen Fitzgerald (1871)
  • Mary Fitzgerald (1873)
  • John Fitzgerald (1880)
  • Margaret Fitzgerald (1882)
  • James Fitzgerald (1884)
  • Thomas Fitzgerald (could be the son of Thomas) (1886)

Other associated surnames:

  • Kenny
  • (O’)Rourke
  • Houlihan
  • Whelan
  • Sheahan
  • Kennedy
  • Farrell
  • (Mc)Donnell
  • Shanahan

There are several potential families for Thomas, but no solid ground to stand on yet.

I’ve identified 12 individuals named Thomas Fitzgerald, with a father named John, born in County Limerick within the years 1836 and 1845.

Child and ParentsBaptism Date & PlaceSiblings
(A.) Thomas, son of John
& Ellen Coonerty
m. 10 Feb 1828, Rockhill (Connello Upper)		01 Jan 1841
Donaghmore & Knockea (Clanwilliam)		1. John, 1833
2. Francis, 1835
3. Edmond, 1843
4. Mary, 1846
(B.) Thomas, son of John
& Catherine Mullins
m. 16 Feb 1836, Rockhill (Connello Upper)		19 Apr 1840
Feenagh & Kilmeedy (Connello Upper)		1. John, 1841
(C.) Thomas, son of John
& Margaret McCoy
m. 20 Jan 1838, Newcastle West (Glenquin)		25 Jul 1841
Newcastle West (Glenquin)		1. John, 1841
2. Mary, 1847
(D.) Thomas, son of John
& Elizabeth (Betty) McKay
m. 27 Feb 1838, Murroe & Boher (Clanwilliam)		20 Dec 1838
Murroe & Boher (Clanwilliam)		1. Ellen, 1841
2. Honora, 1843
3. Michael, 1846
4. Bridget, 1848
5. Thaddeus, 1852
6. John, 1855
7. Richard, 1859
(E.) Thomas, son of John
& Judith Keane		05 Feb 1843
Dromcolligher (Connello Upper)
(F.) Thomas, son of John
& Margaret Mulvany		29 Mar 1843
St. Michael’s, Limerick City
(G.) Thomas, son of John
& Margaret McNamara
m. 25 Feb 1835 Manister, Croom (Connello Upper)		15 Feb 1843
Manister, Croom (Connello Upper)		1. Bridget, 1836
2. Mary, 1838
3. James, 1844
4. Garrett, 1845
5. John, 1848
6. John, 1850
7. Mary,1852
(H.) Thomas, son of John
& Alice Carroll		14 Jan 1838
Bulgaden (Coshlea)
(I.) Thomas, son of John
& Margaret Neville		02 Sep 1843
St. John’s, Limerick City
(J.) Thomas, son of John
& Bridget Curry		23 May 1837
St. Michael’s, Limerick City
(K.) Thomas, son of John
& Margaret Byrnes		03 Mar 1845
Rathkeale (Connello Lower)
(L.) Thomas, son of John
& Mary Hogan		25 May 1836
Kildimo (Kenry)

It’s likely that Thomas’s age was conflated on the 1911 Census to make him seem older than he was, as this was common at the time. It might be more helpful to zero in on individuals born between April 1838 and September 1843.

Child and ParentsBaptism Date & PlaceSiblings Identified
Thomas
John & Catherine Mullins
m. 16-Feb-1836, Rockhill & Bruree		19-Apr-1840
Feenagh & Kilmeedy (Connello Upper)		John, 13-Dec-1841
at Ballyagran & Colmanswell
Thomas
John & Helen (Ellen) Coonerty		01-Jan-1841
Donaghmore & Knockea (Clanwilliam)
s. of Limerick City		John, 05-May-1833 D&K
Francis, 07-Nov-1835 D&K
Edmond, 20-Sep-1843 D&K
Mary, 23-Mar-1846 D&K
Thomas
John & Margaret McCoy
m. 20-Jan-1838, Newcastle West		25-Jul-1841
Newcastle West (Glenquin)		Mary, 08-Aug-1839, NCW

Miscellaneous Notes: Why did it have to be a John?!

John Fitzgerald, aged 66 (b. c. 1800), died on 14 Nov 1866 at Dunmoylan, in the parish of Shanagolden. This John was a widower, who had been a laborer. The informant was a Thomas Fitzgerald.

Mary Fitzgerald, age 66 (b. c. 1808), died on 1 Feb 1874 at Lisduff, in the parish of Askeaton. She was the wife of John, a farmer.

[Back to the top]

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#30. Thure Emanuel’s Roots: A Swedish Record from Grava

Genealogy often begins with a single record that opens a door to a whole new world of information. In this case, we’re diving into a Församlingsbok from Grava, Värmlands län, Sweden, accessed via ArkivDigital. These records are a goldmine for Swedish genealogy, offering vital details about individuals, families, and their movements over time.

What Is a Församlingsbok? 📖

A Församlingsbok is a Swedish ecclesiastical record, translated as a “parish book,” or more aptly “book of the congregation.” Introduced in 1895 as a replacement for the Husförhörslängd (household examination register), the Församlingsbok served as an official document for tracking individuals within a parish (församling). These records were organized geographically, often by specific properties or farms within the parish.

Each entry in the Församlingsbok listed residents of a property, including their names, occupations, birth dates and places, as well as information about marriages, deaths, and changes in residence. It also recorded religious details such as communion attendance, and even marks in religious studies—making it both a civil and religious record.

These records also come with an added bonus: every entry in a Församlingsbok includes an individual’s full date and place of birth. This, along with the inclusion of occupations, often helped the local priest keep track of multiple people with the same name—after all, every parish likely had ten men named Jan Jansson. Today, this detailed information is invaluable in Swedish genealogy.

💡 Genealogy Tip! Swedish church records like Församlingsböcker can be a treasure trove of family data, but they often require patience to decode. Look carefully at the different columns for details on the family, including relationships, addresses, and sometimes even migration information. The more you dig, the more you’ll uncover! Not only does it provide critical information for tracing family lines, but it also offers contextual details about your ancestors’ locations, occupations, and even the extent of their involvement in the local church community.

What Is ArkivDigital? 💻📚

ArkivDigital is a Swedish digital archive, available in both Swedish and English language versions, that provides access to a vast collection of historical records, including church books, census data, estate inventories, emigration records, and more! Established as a way to digitize Sweden’s rich genealogical history, ArkivDigital allows researchers to explore millions of documents that were once only available in physical archives.

The platform is widely used by genealogists around the world to trace their Swedish roots, offering high-resolution images of original records that are often handwritten in old script. One of the key benefits of ArkivDigital is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easier to search through various types of Swedish records, including Församlingsböcker (church books) like the one we’re using here to trace Thure Emanuel’s early life.

With a subscription to ArkivDigital, users can access a wide range of records, view high-quality scans of original documents, and use the platform’s search functions to narrow down their research. This makes ArkivDigital a vital tool for anyone interested in Swedish genealogy and a powerful resource for uncovering your family’s history.

From Ture to Thure: Piecing Together the Evidence 🔍

Finding the right Thure Emanuel in Sweden was a process of matching the known details from American records with Swedish church and census records. We had several key pieces of information from the U.S. that helped guide our search:

  • Date of Birth: Thure was born on 24 September 1899 in Sweden, according to American records.
  • Mother’s Name: His mother was Anna Louisa (often shortened as Louise), known in Sweden as Anna Lovisa.
  • Surnames: Thure used the surname Akerstrom in America, which was a critical clue when searching Swedish records.
  • Siblings: U.S. census records show Thure had two brothers, Albert and Gustaf, which helped confirm the correct family.

Americanization 🇺🇸

When Swedish immigrants arrived in America, many adopted Americanized versions of their names to better assimilate into English-speaking society. In Ture’s case, the Swedish name “Ture” (pronounced “Too-ray”) likely became “Thure” to simplify pronunciation for English speakers, and also aligned it with more familiar English names like “Theodore.”1

🇸🇪 The name Ture is of Swedish origin, derived from the Old Norse Þórr (Thor), meaning “thunder,” and synonymous with the Norse god. The name is often used in Sweden as a masculine given name, and it is closely related to names like Thor and Thure, which are popular in Scandinavian cultures.2

Understanding The Record

Who’s In The Record? 👤

  • Anna Lovisa Olsson, born Johannesdotter, is the head of this household.
    • This indicates that she was the daughter of a man name Johannes.
    • Olsson was the patronymic surname of Anna Lovisa’s husband.
    • The word inhyses means she was a lodger on the Bergqvist farm.
    • She was born 19 April 1870, in Ö. Ullerud.
    • The next column records that she was vaccinated.
    • The date 6 April 1900 indicates the day she became a widow.
    • 439 is the page her family can be found on in the previous Församlingsbok.
    • The vertical lines drawn through the names indicate that this family left the parish.
  • Johan Albert Larsson is recorded as Anna Lovisa’s son.
    • He was born 21 April 1894 in Boda, and was vaccinated.
    • We can infer from these children’s patronymic surname that their father’s name was Lars.
  • Gustaf Bertil Larsson is her second son.
    • He was born 21 April 1897 in this place (Skifed Norra), and was also vaccinated.
  • Ture Emanuel Larsson is her third son.
    • He was born 24 September 1899 in this place, and was also vaccinated.
  • Alfons Engelbrecht Åkerström is her fourth son.
    • He was born 13 May 1904 in this place, and was never vaccinated.
    • In front of his name is the annotation oä. s. (oäkta son) meaning “illegitimate son.”
    • His surname confirms Alfons had a different father than his older brothers.
    • The horizontal line drawn through his name indicated that Alfons died.

There is no question that we’ve found the right family. All of the dates and names line up perfectly, but as with most records, more questions arise than answers are given.

  • What happened to Anna Lovisa’s husband, Lars Olsson?
  • Who was the father of Alfons Engelbrecht Åkerström, and did he and Anna Lovisa ever marry?
  • Why did Ture Emanuel Larsson ultimately change his name to Thure Emanuel Bergquist?

All of these questions require further research.

Where Are We? ⛪

A parish is made up of several villages. Within each village, you’ll find a number of farms. The records for each farm can be quite detailed, sometimes spanning several pages. It’s important to note that not everyone listed on a farm is related. Farms include a mix of landowners, tenant farmers, farmhands, and servants all living on the same land in different dwellings.

Further resources:

We know from the Församlingsbok name that these records are for Grava parish in modern Värmland county. The word at the top of the page indicates the village within the parish, Skifed Norra (this village is sometimes rendered as Norra Skivet or Skived Norra). The word on the first line of the page indicates the farm name, which is Bergqvist.

In English we would describe this location sort of like: the Bergqvist farm, in the village of Skived Norra, in the parish of Grava, in the county of Värmland, in the Kingdom of Sweden.

🇸🇪 Skivet: This could be a variation of “skiva,” meaning “slice” or “disk.” In historical Swedish place names, “skiva” could refer to a flat, sliced, or rounded piece of land, like a cleared area or a section of a larger estate. It might also suggest a piece of land that was distinctly divided or shaped.

🇸🇪 Bergqvist can be interpreted as “mountain branch” or “hill of branches,” possibly referring to a farm located on a hill or mountainous area with wooded land or tree branches. The most common variant of this name is Bergquist. Hmm…?

  1. “The Americanization of Swedish Names,” Swedish Roots (www.swedishroots.com). ↩︎
  2. “Ture,” Nordic Names Wiki (https://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/Ture). ↩︎
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#31. Hazel Quinn & #30. Thure Bergquist: Divorce and Custody Battle

While Hazel’s early years as a wife and mother were captured in city directories, newspaper articles, and census records, the years following in the 1940s tell a more complicated story. A brief but telling record gives us a glimpse into a significant and difficult chapter in the lives of Hazel and Thure Bergquist: their divorce and the custody battle for their daughters.

Court dockets publicly available online at FamilySearch.org help frame this event.

On October 30, 1944, Thure appeared in Plymouth County Court, petitioning for custody of his two daughters, Elaine and Brenda. By January 29, 1945, Thure was granted custody, and the divorce was finalized. While this record offers us a snapshot of the legal proceedings, it leaves many questions unanswered. The specific details of the divorce, including the reasons behind it, remain unclear.

💡 Genealogy Tip! It is important to note that court dockets, like record indexes, guide the researcher to the original record, they do not provide all of the detailed required to achieve reasonably exhaustive research.

💡 Genealogy Tip! In cases of divorce or custody disputes, the original court records can be a goldmine for understanding family dynamics. These documents often provide insight into the lives of your ancestors during tumultuous times.

What This Record Tells Us

This brief record offers valuable insight into a pivotal moment in Hazel’s life:

  • Custody Battle: Thure’s petition for custody and the eventual decision to grant him custody of Elaine and Brenda gives us an understanding of their family situation in 1944-1945.
  • Divorce Proceedings: While the details of the divorce itself are not revealed here, the record provides a date and context for Hazel and Thure’s legal separation.
  • A Glimpse into Hazel’s Life: The paternal custody decision, especially in the context of the time, raises questions about Hazel’s personal struggles—though the full story is still waiting to be uncovered.

This record leaves us with more questions than answers, but it’s a crucial piece in understanding Hazel’s life beyond the censuses and early family records. It’s a reminder that families are messy, with real people navigating difficult moments.

🧩 Future Research: While this index gives us an important starting point, there’s still much to uncover. The specifics of Hazel and Thure’s divorce and the circumstances surrounding Hazel’s custody loss remain unclear. To fully understand this chapter of Hazel’s life, seeking out the full divorce records at the Quincy court will be necessary. These records could provide more insight into the emotional and legal dynamics of the separation, shedding light on what happened during those years and offering a clearer view of Hazel’s struggles and resilience during this difficult period.

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#31. Hazel Quinn: A Tribute

As I wrap up my January research block focusing on Hazel Quinn, and put the finishing touches on her biography, I am reflecting on not only all I’ve learned about her, but what I’ve learned from her….

Hazel’s life, from her birth on 19 May 1909 to her passing on 28 June 2000, was defined by strength and resilience. Records reveal a woman who faced loss, heartache, and multiple reinventions, but records cannot capture the spirit she left behind—a spirit that shaped the lives of her descendants, including my wife, Victoria, and our children.

More than a name in a family tree, Hazel weaves her story of hardship and triumph into the fabric of those who follow. Through fire, illness, divorce, and solitude, she persevered—her resilience offering a timeless lesson for us all.

Hazel teaches the value of community, hard work, and moving forward even when it seems impossible.

What I’ve learned from Hazel through this research is that her life was full of contrasts—quietly loving, sometimes stern, fiercely independent, but always real. Her kindness and wit live on, as do the lessons she imparted through both the tender and the fiery moments of her journey. I think I’ve come to believe that Hazel realized she was able to bring value to world without a husband, and that the only love she needed was that of her family.

Hazel’s legacy is a testament to the enduring will to persist, even when life doesn’t unfold as planned.Her story—still resonating in the lives of those she left behind—is the truest tribute we can offer to a woman who quietly showed her family how to live, and how to endure.

Without further ado, please click here to read Hazel’s biography.

Though I didn’t find all the documents I hoped for in this research block, I actually discovered more about Hazel than I expected. There’s still more to explore, and February’s research block will shift focus to Thure Emanuel Bergquist, Hazel’s first husband and the father of her children. This does not mean in any way that I will be done telling her story, only that this specific part of my year-long project has come to an end. The beauty of this biography is that it can be expanded with more information, details, and memories about Hazel’s life at any time.

I hope I’ve done her proud by telling her story in a meaningful, respectful way.

To Hazel—I will ensure that your story, your life, and your love will continue to resonate with our children, and with generations to come!

Photograph of Hazel Quinn Krupa and her great-granddaughter, Victoria, taken in Whitman, Massachusetts, about 1993; digital image provided by my mother-in-law [name withheld for privacy], shown here with permission of photographer and living subject.
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#31. Hazel (Quinn) Krupa’s Obituary

Published in The Brockton Enterprise on June 29, 2000, the death notice for Hazel Krupa offers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman who lived 91 years. Born to Marshall G. and Flora P. (Sabean) Quinn, Hazel’s life spanned multiple states, from Massachusetts, to New Jersey, and Florida. She always remained deeply connected to her roots, particularly through her lifelong membership in the Baptist Church.

Her legacy lived on in her daughters, and is now honored by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hazel’s career as an executive housekeeper for country clubs in various states shows her strength and versatility. Her impact extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of several nieces, nephews, and friends.

The copy of Hazel’s obituary below was kindly provided by the Dyer Memorial Library & Archives in Abington, Massachusetts.

A note: Because all parties mentioned in this obituary are now deceased, I’m sharing this record here. For living individuals, I will make all efforts to protect their privacy.

💡 Genealogy Tip! Obituaries can be rich with family information—including names of surviving relatives, and sometimes the parents of the deceased, as well as other career details and affiliations. This information might not show up in any other records, so obituaries are a great way to connect the dots in your family tree and learn about an ancestor’s broader life.

⚖️ Conflict Resolution: The obituary gives Hazel’s birth place as Quincy, while we know for a fact that she was actually born in Brockton. This is an easy one. While obituaries are super helpful, they are only as accurate as the informants, writers, and publishers. More than likely, either one of Hazel’s daughters misspoke when providing information to the obituary writer, or the location got muddled further along the line between the funeral director providing information to the newspaper correspondent.

What This Record Tells Us

The obituary provides a lot of valuable details, and in this case helps corroborate much of the other information I’ve gathered in this research block.

  • Family Connections: The surviving daughters and sisters listed help us trace Hazel’s immediate family and understand her place in the broader family context.
  • Her Life’s Work: Her role as an executive housekeeper shows the kind of career she held and the environments she worked in, which adds depth to her personal history.
  • Community Ties: Her involvement with the Immanuel Baptist Church in Brockton shows how Hazel maintained connections with her faith and community all throughout her life.
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#31. Hazel Quinn & #30. Thure Bergquist: 1933-1943

After their marriage on May 19, 1933, Hazel and Thure settled into life together in Quincy, Massachusetts. They lived at 33 Cranch Street, where they shared a home with Thure’s mother, Louise Nord. It was a tight-knit setup, one that likely helped the young couple balance work and raising a family during the Great Depression.

💡 Genealogy Tip! When reviewing census records, don’t just focus on the head of the household. Look at everyone in the family, including in-laws and extended family, like Thure’s mother, Louise, in this case. Their presence can tell you a lot about the family dynamics and help you track down other records.

Family Growth and Community Involvement

The early years saw the arrival of two daughters:

  • Elaine Pearl Bergquist, born June 14, 1934.
  • Brenda Louise Bergquist, born September 13, 1939.

Note the elder daughter’s middle name was after Hazel’s mother, while the younger was a namesake for Thure’s mother.

Evidence suggests that both girls grew up surrounded by a close-knit family, with both of their parents being actively involved in the local community. Thure belonged to the Rural Lodge of Freemasons, and Hazel was a member of the Junior Women’s Union in Quincy.

While Thure was active in the Swedish Lutheran Church on Granite Street, Hazel worshiped at the Central Baptist Church. Religious differences were not unusual in the 1930s and 1940s, especially in a time when families were often more focused on practical matters—like supporting one another through the Great Depression and raising children—than on religious divisions. In this case, it’s likely that Thure and Hazel respected each other’s traditions, possibly attending each other’s services at different times or finding other ways to support one another’s spiritual practices.

In 1935, Hazel was mentioned in a local newspaper as the matron-of-honor at her sister Muriel’s wedding. The Bergquists were clearly rooted in Quincy, and their participation in events like these shows how Hazel balanced her role as a mother with her community involvement.

The 1940 Census: A Glimpse into Their Life

The 1940 U.S. Census offers a snapshot of the family during these years. Thure, now 40, worked as a supervisor in the shipbuilding industry—an essential role in a city like Quincy, which was known for its bustling shipyards during World War II. Hazel, 30, was a stay-at-home mom, looking after their two young daughters. They rented their home at 33 Cranch Street from Thure’s mother, Louise, who owned the property. The $20 monthly rent (about $450 in 2025, adjusting for inflation) was modest, but it shows the financial arrangements that likely helped Louise cover her mortgage payment.

The census also reveals that Louise had an income in the year 1939, logically at surface value this would be the rent she collected. However, it’s also worth mentioning, from family lore we know that Louise worked under the table as a private washerwoman, and occasionally as a baker for hire. Whatever the source, any additional income likely contributed to the family’s overall stability during these years.

💡 Genealogy Tip! Census records can provide crucial details about occupations, income, and living arrangements. For example, Thure’s $2,340 income in 1939 (roughly equivalent to $53,000 in 2025) is a key detail for understanding the family’s financial situation. His work as a supervisor likely meant stability during an uncertain time.

The Draft and Family Loss

In 1942, at the age of 42, Thure registered for the military draft. His draft card shows that, by this point, he had been employed at Bethlehem Shipbuilding for years. It also shows that his wife, Hazel, was his next of kin.

Their lives took a somber turn with the passing of Hazel’s mother, Flora Pearl Sabean, on March 10, 1943. Hazel, now in her early 30s, had to navigate the grief of losing her mother while raising two young daughters in a nation that was in the throes of war.

What These Records Tells Us

The records from 1933 to 1943 offer us an intimate look into Hazel and Thure’s married life, full of family, work, and community. Here’s what we learn:

  • Family Roots: Hazel and Thure’s home life was intertwined with family ties, as they lived with Thure’s mother, Louise. This extended family dynamic likely helped the young couple manage both raising children and maintaining a household.
  • Stable Employment: Thure’s steady work in shipbuilding and the family’s financial situation provide a clear picture of how they made ends meet during the Depression and early war years.
  • Community Involvement: Hazel stayed active in the community, showing that family and church played a significant role in their lives. Her involvement with the Junior Women’s Union and other local events gives us a sense of the social fabric of her world.
  • The Impact of War: Thure’s military draft registration card signals how the war was beginning to affect families across America, even those not directly serving.
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#31. Hazel Quinn & #30. Thure Bergquist: 1933 Marriage Record

When Hazel Quinn and Thure Bergquist said “I do” on May 19, 1933, it was more than just a romantic moment—it was an official genealogical milestone. This marriage record gives us fascinating insights into both Hazel’s life and the intersection of record-keeping practices in early 20th-century Massachusetts.

Fun fact—Hazel was married on her 24th birthday! May 19, 1933, wasn’t just a big day in her life for obvious reasons, but it also meant she and Thure shared a significant moment on an already special occasion.

💡 Genealogy Tip! Marriage certificates can be treasure troves of information, not just about the couple, but also about their families and the communities they were part of. This record, for example, reveals family names (including the groom’s Swedish roots) and offers insight into local church connections.

The Record Itself

This particular certificate was filed in Quincy (where the groom lived), and provides a snapshot of the union between 23-year-old Hazel and 33-year-old Thure. Let’s break it down:

  • Groom: Thure Emanuel Bergquist, 33, born in Sweden and working as a machinist, living on Cranch Street in Quincy.
    • The record notes his name was legally changed. On the surface this seems to reconcile the fact that his father is listed as Andrew Akerstrom. It’s apparent that Thure adopted his mother’s maiden name Bergquist. As any good detective or genealogist knows, there must be more to this story. Unfortunately, no leads in this record.
  • Bride: Hazel Elizabeth Quinn, 23, from Brockton, residing on North Main Street in Randolph, where we know her parents had set up shop. Hazel’s occupation? “At home” (we can all relate to that).
    • Hazel was the daughter of Marshall G. Quinn and Flora P. Sabean.
    • Remember how I noted that Hazel was married on her 24th birthday? Why does this record give her age as 23? You may have guessed the answer already. This was because her age was given on May 10, the date the intention of marriage was filed.

The marriage ceremony took place at 528 North Main Street, Randolph, by Reverend Eugene S. Philbrook of the First Baptist Church. His connection to the family was more than just clerical—he had a history of involvement with the Quinns, appearing alongside them in local news articles. A sweet touch of community and family ties!

💡 Genealogy Tip! This marriage record doesn’t explicitly say the ceremony took place at the Baptist Church or that Rev. Philbrook was a Baptist minister. Some sleuthing was needed to confirm. It’s always helpful to learn more about the officiants and venues where our ancestors married. For instance, Google the Baptist Church in Randolph today, and you’ll find 518 N Main St. But look up 528 N Main St., and the church pops up again. In this instance, the church grounds includes multiple street addresses.

Record-Keeping Practices

The marriage certificate is from Quincy, but the ceremony was in Randolph. Why? Back then, marriage certificates were often filed in both towns where the bride and groom lived. So, in this case, a duplicate certificate was filed in Randolph—the town where the ceremony actually occurred.

What This Record Tells Us

This marriage certificate offers us a wealth of insight into Hazel and Thure’s union, along with a glimpse into their lives and the local practices of the time:

  • Hazel’s Age and Birthplace: At 23, Hazel was at a typical marrying age for the time. Her birth in Brockton, Massachusetts, is confirmed, further solidifying her place in the local context.
  • Thure’s Background: Thure’s Swedish roots and occupation as a machinist show us his immigrant background and steady work in a growing industrial society.
  • Full Parents Names for Both: This tidbit is imperative for genealogists to connect one generation to the next.
  • Family Connections Solidified: Reverend Eugene S. Philbrook, who officiated their wedding, had ties to the family through local community events, hinting at the close-knit nature of the Quinn family in Randolph.
  • Record-Keeping: The marriage certificate was filed in Quincy, where the groom lived, but a duplicate was also filed in Randolph, where the ceremony occurred. This dual-record system was common at the time for couples living in different towns, and this record is a great example of that practice in action.

Together, these details piece together not just the specifics of Hazel and Thure’s marriage, but also provide a window into their lives, families, and the societal context they were part of. Plus, it’s a reminder that the best genealogical discoveries often come from the intersections of family, community, and historical paperwork.

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#31. A Glimpse into Hazel’s Life: 1926–1932

Hazel Quinn’s story in the late 1920s and early 1930s is one of work, community involvement, and even a bit of adventure. Through city directories, census records, newspaper clippings, and a surprising passenger list, we can piece together the details of her young adult life.

1926–1927: Living at Home, Establishing Independence

The Randolph City Directory for 1926-27 lists Hazel and her parents, Marshall G. and F. Pearl Quinn, at “rear 547 N Main.” This tells us several things. First, Hazel was old enough to be included in the city directory, which typically listed adults or working members of a household. Her parent’s listing confirms her father’s continued employment with the Brockton Gas Light Company. The phrase “rear 547 N Main” suggests they lived in a smaller residence behind the main building, possibly a secondary dwelling or a tenement-style home.1

This small notation in the directory places Hazel firmly in Randolph during this period and confirms that, at least as of 1926-27, she was still living with her parents.

💡 Genealogy Tip! City directories can be invaluable for tracking ancestors between census years. They help pinpoint locations, occupations, and household members, though keep in mind that addresses may not be permanent residences—sometimes they indicate workplaces or temporary housing.

1928: Hazel Joins the Randolph Grange Fair

On August 13, 1928, 19-year-old Hazel Quinn was mentioned in The Boston Globe as a committee member for the Randolph Grange Fair. This agricultural and educational fair, held at Odd Fellows’ Hall, was a significant local event, bringing together farmers, artisans, and community members. Hazel served on the art and needlework committee, alongside her mother, Flora Pearl Quinn. Her father, Marshall Quinn, was also involved, serving on the manufactures and appliances committee.2

The Reverend Eugene S. Philbrook, Baptist Minister, was also involved with the Randolph Grange, he would go on to officiate Hazel’s marriage in 1933, and that of her sister Muriel in 1935.3

This tidbit gives us insight into Hazel’s community involvement—her participation suggests an interest in crafts or fine handiwork, or simply a willingness to contribute to local events.

💡 Genealogy Tip! Community events mentioned in newspapers can reveal more than just participation. They provide social context—what was important to your ancestor, who they worked alongside, and what local organizations they supported.

1930 Census: A Young Working Woman

Citation: 1930 U.S. census, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, Randolph Town, enumeration district (ED) 120, sheet 21-B, dwelling 321, family 349, Marshall G. Quinn household; imaged database, “United States, Census, 1930,” FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9R4G-S8K).

By April 1930, the U.S. Census places Hazel, now 20 years old, living with her family in Randolph, Massachusetts. The Quinns resided on “Maiden Lane,” though there is some evidence that their actual address was on North Main Street.

Hazel was listed as a waitress in a lunchroom—a modest but important job during the early years of the Great Depression. Her younger siblings were still in school, while her brother Arnold worked at the same gas company as their father. The census also records that the family rented their home for $25 a month and owned a radio, a small luxury in that era.

💡 Genealogy Tip! Census records often include rent and mortgage amounts, radio ownership, and even whether a home was on a farm. All of these hints can suggest the economic standing of the enumerated. A caution: be sure to check with an inflation calculator to get a more realistic picture of an ancestors financial situation.

1932: Hazel Takes a Trip to the Bahamas!

In a surprising twist, Hazel Quinn appears on a passenger list for the S.S. Munamar, sailing from Nassau, Bahamas, on March 13, 1932, and returning to the Port of New York on March 16, 1932. At 22 years old, Hazel had taken an international trip—something that might not have been common for a young working woman in the early 1930s.

She was traveling with at least one companion, Grace Humphreys, a single 23-year-old woman from Amherst, Massachusetts. Their reasons for travel are unknown, but a cruise advertisement from February 1932 suggests that Nassau was being marketed as an escape from the harsh New England winter. It was only 60 hours from New York to Nassau, and a round trip five day excursion was marketed at $90 total. However, the records available do not tell us if the young women embarked on the thirteen day trip priced at $132, or the discounted five day fare.4

This brief adventure raises many questions—was this a leisure trip? A work-related journey? How did Hazel pay for her passage? Did Hazel and Grace save for months—or years—to afford it, or was it a special gift? Unfortunately, as is so often in genealogy, records sometimes leads to more questions, and some of these questions we may never know the answer to.

Whatever the case, young Hazel had a taste of international travel in the midst of the Great Depression.

Notably, Hazel’s return trip was delayed by thick fog, as reported in The Brooklyn Eagle on March 17, 1932. The S.S. Munamar, along with five other ships, had to wait to dock in New York Harbor due to poor visibility.5

💡 Genealogy Tip! Passenger lists can be a goldmine for genealogists. They often reveal not just travel history, but also addresses, travel companions, and even nationality status. If your ancestor traveled abroad, check newspapers for possible delays, accidents, or even social columns mentioning their journey!

What These Records Tell Us

The records from 1926 to 1932 paint a picture of Hazel Quinn’s early adulthood, showing us how she balanced work, community involvement, and a touch of adventure.

  • She lived with her family at various points, indicating strong family ties and financial practicality during the Great Depression.
  • She was active in the community, participating in the Randolph Grange Fair alongside her parents, which suggests she valued local events and traditions.
  • She worked as a waitress, an occupation that, while modest, was crucial in an era when many struggled to find employment.
  • She traveled internationally, taking a cruise to the Bahamas with a friend, which raises intriguing possibilities about her interests, financial situation, and social circle.

Together, these details bring Hazel to life—not just as a name in a record, but as a young woman navigating the 1920s and 1930s with determination, community spirit, and perhaps a bit of wanderlust. Her story reminds us that even everyday records can reveal extraordinary moments in an ancestor’s life.

  1. Randolph, Holbrook and Avon Directory, 1926-1927 (Boston: R. L. Polk & Co., 1926), 97, Hazel E. Quinn; imaged database, “U.S., City Directories,” MyHeritage (https://www.myheritage.com), image 53 of 131. ↩︎
  2. “Committees Names For Randolph Grange Fair,” The Boston Globe (Massachusetts), 13 August 1928, p. 4. ↩︎
  3. For Hazel’s marriage certificate: Norfolk County, Massachusetts, marriage certificate no. 164 (1933), Bergquist-Quinn, Norfolk County Town Clerk’s Office. For Muriel’s marriage: “Miss Muriel Ellinor Quinn married Chester E. Gonier in Quincy,” The Quincy Evening News (Massachusetts), 30 September 1935. ↩︎
  4. “Beware the Colds of March. Take a Munson Cruise to Tropic Sunshine,” Atlantic City Press (New Jersey), 29 February 1932, p. 4; and “54 hours to Nassau,” Chicago Daily Tribune, 09 March 1932, p. 20; see https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm for inflation calculation. ↩︎
  5. “6 Incoming Liners Delayed by Thick Fog Over Harbor,” Brooklyn Daily Eagle (New York), 17 March 1932, M2-19. ↩︎
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#31. Hazel Quinn in the 1920 Census

By early 1920, Hazel Quinn—just ten years old—found herself at the center of a family besieged by misfortune. The winter had already been merciless, with the Quinns losing their farmhouse to a devastating fire in December 1919. Forced to relocate to Jay, Maine, they barely had time to settle before tragedy struck again.

Citation: 1920 U.S. census, Franklin County, Maine, Jay (town), enumeration district (ED) 53, sheet 12-A, dwelling 241, family 253, “Matthew” Quinn household; imaged database, “United States, Census, 1920,” FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9R6G-6KH).

A Family in Recovery

On February 2, 1920, the U.S. census taker arrived in Jay to record the Quinn household, but it’s unlikely he spoke directly to Marshall or Pearl. The family had just suffered through weeks of illness and loss. Just days prior Pearl had given birth to an infant that died at birth. Not only did Pearl fall ill with tonsillitis, and Marshall contract pneumonia, but scarlet fever also had torn through the household, affecting all of the children except for the oldest son Bernard.

Hazel, like most of her siblings, was still recovering as the enumerator marked down the details of a family in crisis.

The census lists Hazel alongside her parents and seven siblings, but errors abound. Her father, Marshall, is incorrectly recorded as “Matthew,” her sister Muriel has become a brother “John,” and her brother Handley appears as “Harlow.” The Quinns, likely too weak or preoccupied to provide information themselves, may have had their details given by a neighbor or local official. But who?

Reliability of Informants

A clue to the source of these errors comes from a Lewiston Evening Journal article published just days later, on February 9, 1920. The piece describes how the town’s Board of Health chairman, H. H. Allen, had arranged for a man and woman to come care for the ailing Quinn family.

It was very likely this couple spoke to the census enumerator. With the Quinns still recovering from illness and loss, they may have relied on these caretakers to provide household information—leading to the many mistakes in the record.

This census record for the Quinn family, while valuable, contains misrecorded names and minor age discrepancies—errors significant enough that some researchers have mistakenly identified it as an entirely different family. I even once received an email from a descendant convinced this record couldn’t possibly belong to the Quinns. However, a careful review of all available evidence helps clarify the source of these mistakes and resolve the conflicting details.

Hazel’s Battle with Scarlet Fever

Hazel had already endured the shock of fleeing her burning home in freezing temperatures, losing nearly all her belongings, and witnessing her heavily pregnant mother’s harrowing escape. But the ordeal didn’t end there. In the aftermath of the fire, she, along with six of her siblings, fell ill with scarlet fever, an infectious disease that often proved fatal in the days before antibiotics.

The illness left the Quinns quarantined, isolated from the community just when they needed support the most. Hazel would have experienced the fever, rash, and throat pain that accompanied the disease, all while confined to a new, unfamiliar house. For a child, the combination of fear, loss, and physical suffering must have been overwhelming.

A Record of Survival

For Hazel Quinn, this census entry captures a pivotal moment in her early life—one of uncertainty, resilience, and recovery. At just ten years old, she was living through the aftermath of a devastating house fire and a serious scarlet fever outbreak, events that undoubtedly shaped her childhood. But despite the hardships, her family remained together, rebuilding their lives.

The census alone cannot tell a full story. It is a snapshot, and we must use other records to piece together the challenges the family faced during this time. And through all of those small details compounded, we catch a glimpse of their perseverance.

What This Record Tells Us

Beyond the errors, this census still offers key insights into Hazel’s world at the start of 1920:

  • Marshall Quinn is misrecorded as “Matthew,” and several children’s names are incorrect, possibly because the information was provided by someone outside the family.
  • As corroborated by other records, Marshall was working as a laborer in a nearby pulp mill.
  • The four oldest children normally attended school. They could all read and write.
  • At ten years old, Hazel was one of the eldest children, likely helping care for her younger siblings as the family rebuilt their lives.

From this brief snapshot in time, we see not just names on a page, but a family navigating hardship with quiet determination. As Hazel grew, her surroundings and circumstances would change, but the resilience shown in this census hints at the strength that carried her forward.

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#31. Hazel Quinn in the 1910 Census

By the time the 1910 U.S. Census rolled around, little Hazel Elizabeth Quinn had gone from a newborn in her parents’ Brockton home to a toddling one-year-old nestled in a multi-generational household. This snapshot of her early life gives us a vivid look at family dynamics, immigration stories, and—once again—some eyebrow-raising details about her father’s age and birthplace.

Citation: 1910 U.S. census, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, Brockton Ward 1, enumeration district (ED) 1180, sheet 8-B, dwelling 131, family 170, Handly [sic] Sabean household; imaged database, “United States, Census, 1910,” FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RVP-QKB).

The Sabean Household at 63 Wheeler Avenue

On April 23, 1910, census enumerator Hattie Doane made her way down Wheeler Avenue in Brockton, Massachusetts, clipboard in hand. At number 63, she recorded the residents of the Handley Sabean household—a lively home packed with four generations under one roof.

Hazel, her two-year-old brother Bernard, and their parents—Marshall and Flora Pearl Quinn—were living with Flora’s parents, Handley and Ella Sabean. Alongside them were three of Flora’s younger siblings: Ella, Clarence, and Ernest. And to round things out, Hazel’s great-grandmother, Mary A. Cogswell, also lived in the household. It was a full house in every sense.

The Working Men of the Household

Hazel’s grandfather, Handley Sabean, was a provisions dealer, which meant he was in the business of supplying meat and other goods—likely a steady trade in an industrial city like Brockton. His son-in-law, Marshall Quinn, continued his work as a gas fitter, helping to install and maintain gas lighting and appliances. Both men were recorded as able to read and write, a sign of their social standing in a time when literacy wasn’t yet universal.

The Women Who Ran the Home

Like many women of the era, Hazel’s mother, Flora Pearl, and her grandmother, Ella, had no occupation listed in the census. That, of course, didn’t mean they weren’t working—it simply meant their work wasn’t considered part of the official economy. Raising children, maintaining a household, and caring for elderly relatives were all full-time jobs. We also know that Pearl worked for private clients as a seamstress and milliner, skills she may have learned from her mother Ella, and grandmother Mary.

Marshall Quinn’s Massachusetts Mystery Continues

Once again, we find Hazel’s father, Marshall Quinn, shifting his birthplace to Massachusetts. If this sounds familiar, it’s because this wasn’t the first—or last—time Marshall strayed from the truth about where he was born. As discussed in a previous post, Marshall was actually born 21 April 1871 in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, but throughout his life, he frequently claimed Massachusetts instead.

Adding to the confusion, this census reports Marshall’s age as 33. That’s a problem because, based on the available evidence, he should have been 38. His fluctuating age had been a recurring theme in records before his 1907 marriage to Flora Pearl Sabean, after which it finally stabilized. Did he shave off a few years to seem closer in age to his younger wife? Possibly. Or maybe he just found it easier to keep up with the version of events he’d already been using. Regardless of why these inconsistencies appear, one thing is clear: The 1910 Census adds yet another layer to the ongoing puzzle of Marshall Quinn’s evolving identity.

Given that we know Marshall’s mother was a McIntyre from Canada, it’s tempting to wonder if the neighboring McIntyre family on this census page was a distant relation, but that’s a mystery for another day.

Life at 63 Wheeler: A Glimpse Into the Past

For Hazel Quinn, this census entry represents her second earliest recorded place in history. At just a year old, she was too young to understand the importance of that moment—too young to know that 114 years later, someone would be reading about her in a genealogy blog. But thanks to this simple document, we can imagine her world:

  • A house filled with family, from a great-grandmother to younger uncles and aunts.
  • A father working in the gas industry during a time of rapid urban expansion.
  • A mother caring for two young children while sharing a home with extended relatives.

As Hazel grew up, her surroundings would change, but this census gives us an early glimpse into the people and places that shaped her childhood. The next time we find her on record, she may be a school-aged girl, beginning to leave her own mark on the world.

Until then, this snapshot of the Sabean household reminds us that family history isn’t just about names and dates—it’s about people, their choices, and the stories hidden in the details of a census form.

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