Welcome to the O’ Connor Reunion 2017

Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry, Ireland Fáilte Welcome

Doncha Ó Conchúir payment for the reunion with amazing ease. “To register for the reunion, I have “Ba mhaith linn fáilte mhór a chur roimh contributed our on-line registration ár gcuairteoirí, ár ngaolta chuig an tionól product (www.planetreg.com). By ‘our’, seo dona Conchúraigh i mBaile’n I mean it is a product of my company – Fhirtéaraigh, Co Chiarraí. ‘HEMKO Systems Corp”. “I have set up and maintained the picture site for We are very proud to host an O’ Connor O’Connor Reunion and family pictures: reunion once more in the home country oconnoroots.smugmug.com. On that site of the O’ Connor ancestors, six brothers you will see pictures of past reunions as and sister who emigrated to the South well as pictures contributed by each Dakota lands in the US in the 1860’s and family. The site also contains the the eldest brother Denis (Doncha Bán) complete collection of pictures from the who remained on the O’ Connor home- O’Connor Chronicles, a wonderful stead at Baile Eaglaise, Ballyferriter. compendium of the family history Seven of the eight O’Connor branches published by Claude Sinnen in 2001. I are represented at this reunion. have a copy o f that book in electronic format if anyone would like a copy.” The first reunion held in Ireland was in 1988, with the second in 2010. It is wonderful to see cousins return once again to the event. It is time to renew friendships and we welcome those who are coming for the first time. We look forward to getting to know each other better. It is also exciting to have quite a number of young cousins in our midst. The reason for the event, is to welcome our American relatives and for them to feel part of their Irish heritage and to enjoy the many attractions Ireland has to offer. #B3-

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#-)5+056+ )33?.-881:-8 We are indebted to Harry Hemstreet – fourth generation descendent of James At 94 years of age, I have been fortunate (Séamus) for his passion and skills in over the decades to have met many of organising aspects of the reunion and you and your ancestors. I am proud that giving access online to Family histories the O’ Conno r family heritage is being and pictures. From across the Atlantic, handed on. in Colorado USA, he has made it possible to organise the registration and Bainigí sult as.

1 Reunion Programme 2017

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However, for those not at the family 1. Museum Chorca Dhuibhne in reunion workshop, there are many Ballyferriter Village. great experiences to be had in the locality. 2. Ionad an Bhlascaoid (Blasket Centre) Dunquin. Options for the afternoon: 74
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Map location of activities

3 The Booklet

Máire (O’ Connor) Uí Ghiobúin and thank you very much for your contributions. I feel I know you a lot Though the reunion has been on our better. The following pages are the O’ minds for some time and plans made to Connor branches in chronological order. attend, it comes and goes before you For resource material on the know it. It is wonderful to have so many genealogical record, there is an electronic 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th cousins together for format of the O’ Connor Chronicles, the two days, but it can be daunting to published by Claude Sinnen, in 2001, as establish who is who. So this booklet is a result of across the Atlantic a guide helping you to navigate which collaborations between Doncha Ó O’ Connor branch the attendees come Conchúir, Seanchnoc, Byron O’ Connor from and along with some information and the many relatives who visited about them and reminiscences that they Seanchnoc over the years. The electronic have. I haven’t been successful in getting format can be requested from Harry a profile and photograph of everyone Hemstreet. Ther is also a picture site of who is attending and I hope those not in family reunions and family pictures on the profiles are not too disappointed. It oconnoroots.smugmug.com. was enjoyable communicating with you

O’ Connor homestead at Baile Eaglaise, Ballyferriter. 4 DENIS (DONCHA BÁN O’ CONNOR)

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Mícheál, Máire, Síle, Aodán, Líle agus Doncha

We are descendants of Denis (Doncha Bán), who was our greatgrandfather. Máire, Mícheál, Aodán, Doncha, Líle, Eadaoin (RIP 2008) are the family of Denis and Síle O Connor of Seanchnoc. Denis, our Dad, passed away in 2004. Denis was the eldest son of Michael and Nellie O’ Connor. Michael was the youngest son of Denis (Doncha Bán). He was the headmaster of Ballyferriter school from 1910-1952. Doncha his son,

Doncha and Síle O’ Connor after their wedding our father, was the principal of the national school after his father’s retirement from 1952-1983. We had an active childhood with our father, always bringing us outdoors while he was doing his fieldwork in local archaeology. This work was the beginnings of a lifetime of research and writings that influenced the development of the Ballyferriter Museum, the local Mícheál and his father Doncha investigating development organisations Oidhreacht archaeological monuments in the 1960s. Chorca Dhuibhne and the local 5 development cooperative. Our Dad also was very keen to grow vegetables and fruit trees and of course we had to help. Dad had a deep belief in sustainable development. These principles have guided our lives. Our mother, Síle was a talented homemaker, a craftsperson, great love of music, humorous and with a deep understanding of her Northern Ireland traditions. She has nurtured us all of her life and still does at 94 years of age.

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Ballyferriter and works in the hospitality industry. Aodán lives at Seanchnoc with Síle and is a beekeeper and gardener. Doncha and Lís live in Dunquin. They have two daughters Sinéad and Karen, who live and work in Co Cork. Sinead works with Penneys and Karen is a pre- school teacher. Doncha is in charge of the Blasket Island centre at Dunquin. Donncha, Conall, Máire, Josie and Eoghan Gibbons Líle is a national school teacher in Arklow, Co Wicklow, although her home Máire lives in Camus, a rural area in is in Dunquin. She plays the concertina. Connemara, Galway. Josie, her husband is a carpenter and boat builder and they have three sons, Eoghan, Donncha and Conall. They boys work and live in Dublin. Eoghan is a rigger and pizza chef, Donncha works with Transparency Ireland, and Conall works with Setanta TV. Mícheál is self-employed, involved in marine engineering works and operates a sea angling boat in the summer months. He lives and works in Ballyferriter. He has a daughter Síle who lives in Australia married to Tim Murphy and they have a month old daughter. His son Gregory lives in Greg Ó Conchúir, Eleanor Dunfey and Sile Ní Chonchúir. 6 Aodán Ó Conchúir

Mícheál Ó Conchúir in the North Star

Lís, Sinéad, Karen, Liam and Doncha Ó Conchúir 7 <)5


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Ivan Woloshak (d.o.b. 25th April 1991) and Christopher Woloshak (d.o.b. 30th January 1995) are the sons of Eadaoin Woloshak nee Ní Chonchúir. Eadaoin was the youngest daughter of Doncha Ó Conchúir and his wife Síle of Seana- chnoc, Ballyferriter.

Eadaoin moved to London in her early twenties, where she met her husband Ivan, Christopher, Sile, Eadaoin and Mark Mark, who worked for the same firm of in Armagh, 2007 solicitors as her. Both Ivan and Christopher were born and raised in Mark and Ivan have taken to Cardiff like London, or Twickenham to be more the proverbial ducks to water. Ivan is an precise, a suburb of London famed for its enthusiastic member of Clwb Rygbi rugby stadium.They remained there Cymru Caerdydd (Cardiff Welsh Rugby until 2003, when the family decided to Club), who are a Welsh speaking rugby re-locate to rural Devon and the town of team. Ivan’s lack of Welsh has not Totnes. prevented him from becoming an enthusiastic member of the team. In 2008 Eadaoin died but the boys remained in Devon until 2014. By then Christopher has enjoyed his trips to Ivan had just graduated from the Cardiff but currently spends the vast University of Gloucestershire and majority of his time in Brighton, on the Christopher was undertaking an art south coast of England, where he will foundation course in Plymouth. The shortly complete his degree in Graphic solicitors firm for whom Mark worked Design at Brighton University. closed in 2013 and Mark obtained a job in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The boys regularly return to Seanachoc After much soul searching the family to visit their Mamó and the rest of the agreed that, nice as Totnes is, it was time family. Eadaoin’s grave is in the local to move on and the family relocated to graveyard, as she never stopped think- Cardiff permanently. ing of West Kerry as home.

Mark and Ivan live in Cardiff, where Ivan is working as a teaching assistant and will return to university in September for a year to obtain a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, which will enable him to become a teacher.

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Eileen and Seainín O’ Connor Ita, Eileen, Seainín, Seosaimh and Carmel 9 Back Row, left to right: Pádraig, Eileen, Mícheál, Seosaimh, Front Row, left to right: Dolores, Carmel & Ita.

Seosaimh: Builder/Carpenter. Lives in Ballyferriter. Ita: Nurse’s Aid, lives in New York, USA. Micheal: Builder/Landscape Gardener, Padraig: Support worker with St Vincent de Paul. Carmel: Support Worker/Carer. Michael, Padraig and Carmel live in Tralee, Éire.

Eileen’s family: Eimear, Eileen and Niamh

Seosaimh’s family: Seosaimh, Fodhla, Slaine and Cait Dolores and family: Orla, Dolores and Rory 10 1+0)-3
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– I am the great- great-great grandson of Doncha Bán. Whereas Doncha Ban’s six brothers and one sister all immigrated to open prairies of the mid-western United States, Doncha Ban’s daughter, Mary O’Connor, born 1865, immigrated in the early 1880’s to America’s first major industrialized textile mill city - historic Lowell, MA. Mary married her second cousin, James Manning in 1891 in Lowell. Their daughter Kate (1894-1982) married Leroy Dunfey. Kate & Leroy’s son Paul (1918-1991) married Rita Frechette. Paul & Rita’s daughter Donna (1947-2005) married Michael Downes Sr.

Donna & Mike’s three boys: Michael (me) (1970), Matthew (1976), Nicholas (1978) are the fourth generation of O’Connor descendants to be born in Lowell, MA.

Having been fortunate enough to have known all four of my grandparents and two great-grandmothers, my parents instilled in me a great respect and reverence for my elders. As a result, I was exposed to countless stories of our forbearers during family gatherings at holidays, reunions or just a casual visit; Michael Downes tales of “when I was growing up”. So when I became passionate about tracing my ancestry in the late 1990’s, I was reunions of 3rd, 4th and 5th cousins, I’ve ahead of the curve. In the early 2000’s stayed in their homes, visited with them my enthusiasm for genealogy went during business trips, spent Thanks- beyond collecting names and dates. I giving with them and recently, I took a giant leap and started reaching attended two weddings. But most out to living extended cousins and importantly, I’ve made real connections attending reunions with long lost family and genuine friendships. I like to think members whom I’d never met. I became I have tenfold the number of first a reunion crasher, and that has made all cousins with which I was born. the difference. Over the last ten plus years, not only have I been to many

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Great-great- born in 1994 and Gordon Thomas grandaughter of Denis (Doncha Bán) Kohvou Hoyt born in 1999. Tatyana graduated from Saint Anselm College in My grandparents are Leroy Dunfey and 2016 with a B.A. Degree in Biology. She Catherine (Kate) Manning. Kate and is currently attending graduate school Leroy had twelve children. These and is studying to become a Physician children became my aunts and uncles. Assistant. She lives in Manchester, N.H. So as you can see a very BIG family. with her boyfriend Derek Herr who also graduated from Saint Anselm College. Number 11 Jerry who married Barbara Gordon has just graduated from Hoskins are my parents. They had 5 Plymouth Regional High School in kids. Catherine born 1957, Gerald Jr. Plymouth, N.H. He received a AA NH born 1958, Peter born 1959, Patricia Scholar-Athletic Award in Ice Hockey (Tish)=ME born 1960, and Sean Manning and Track. He will go to the University (1963). of New Hampshire this fall 2017. He will major in Engineering. I have been an Elementary Teacher for 31 years. I am currently teaching My sister Catherine married Scott kindergarten in Campton, N.H. I am also Wagner, currently lives in Boise, Idaho. a Co-Owner of a Used Furniture Store Scott works for the U.S. Forestry. called Boomerang Used Furniture & Catherine is very talented as an artist. Other Funky Stuff. My partners name is She knits, felts, weaves as well as paints Lester Downing. He is a Project Manager watercolor canvas's, creates colored and Estimator of highways and heavy paper journals, etc. My brother, Gerald construction. He works for Piper Jr. (Jerry) - died 1978. Peter is married to Company. He works with building Theo Spanos. They had two daughters, roads, bridges and utilities. Projects are McKayla and Skyler. Theo works at the throughout N.H., ME., and VT. University of New England in Maine as a teacher. They both work for Global I married Thomas Peter Hoyt, but we are Citizen Circle. Peter also works in real now divorced. We had 2 kids, Tatyana estate property rentals. Sean Manning Dunfey, is married to Kim Mattison. Kim is a Legal Estate Secretary. They have 2 boys Braedon and Teagan. Both boys graduated from the University of New Hampshire with Engineering Degrees. Sean created his own business called, Downeast Woodworking. He creates, designs and installs kitchen cabinetres, basically anything made from wood. He is an inventor. He has also created his own technique for downhill skis and long boards.

Lester Downing and Tish Dunfey-Hoyt 12 Tatyana, Tish and Gordon My mother is Barbara Ann Hoskins My father, Gerald Sr., (Jerry) born in Dunfey. She was born in 1935. She is 1935, married Nadine Hack. They currently working at the Bedford Village currently live in Switzerland. My father Inn in the Boutique Store. She has was vice president of Dunfey Family worked there for seven or more years. Hotels along with several of his brothers. She will be celebrating her 82nd Nadine Hack works at IMD. birthday this June. My mother lives in Manchester, N.H. She has two sisters Nancy and Winnie.

Neala Dunfey and Síle O’ Connor Tatyana and Gordon Neala is the granddaughter of Bob Dunfey. 13 Peig Kavanagh, Síle Uí Chonchúir and Caitlín Kavanagh Peig and Caitlín - descendants of Doncha Bán, (Katherine Kavanagh)

Michael, Elizabeth & Maire Farrell descendants of Doncha Bán, (Margaret Fenton) 14 s

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15 JOHN O’ CONNOR

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#155-59 is descendant of John, the great granddaughter of Austin Jerome O’ Connor, who was one of John’s sons, grand-daughter of Pat O’ Connor and daughter of Mary Lou Sinnen.

Ruby has two brothers Jon and Timothy and one sister Claudia. She has a daughter Joleen. Ruby is married to Jim Winnings.

Grandpa Francis Pat and Grandma Ruby O' Connor at their 50th wedding anniversary.

taxi and in the later years was a skilled Jim and I from our trip last year to Sedona cabinet builder. My brother Tim followed Arizona. in his footsteps and has his own cabinet “Grandpa Pat was a skilled tradesman. He shop today. worked all sorts of construction and was a dynamite demolition specialist when he Grandpa and Grandma loved to travel worked on the Hoover Dam in the 1930’s and would get in the car and take off for and other projects. He flew for the United trips all over the United States. Laurie and States Postal service for a time, drove a Hope would travel with them when they were younger. Grandma was a fabulous cook and baker! We all miss her delicious goodies.

Dad and Mom took us kids on trips to Dad's army reunions as kids but otherwise didn't travel much until later years. They too saw a lot of the United States, along with travels to Spain, Africa, Bahamas and Ireland too. Dad loved to collect Norman Rockwell plates and figurines. He was a fantastic photographer and we all have Austin Jerome, Mary and her son many, many photos to cherish and Pat O’ Connor remember him by. Mom collected holiday 16 decorations, especially for the Christmas holiday. I have been the Circulation Director for the local newspaper for over 29 years. I spend a good deal of my free time over the past 20 years volunteering for the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life and other programs that they have. Jim and I like to travel when we can but find ourselves very busy with grandkids. Jim's two kids have 5 kids between them and I have 5 step-grandkids from my first marriage, so with Joleen's two kids - it's an even dozen grandkids to keep up with - which we just love to do.”

Mom, myself, my daughter Joleen, her kids - Grandpa Francis Pat taken in the early 1830's Claude and Ruby. when he was working on the Hoover Dam.

Dad, Claude Sinnen Mom Mary Lou, my brother Jon, his then wife Kim, myself, my brother Tim and his wife Julie, my sister Claudia and her husband Tony (left to right) taken at one of Dad's army reunions for the 96th Army Infantry Division. Dad's unit was called the Deadeyes and they served in Okinawa during WWII. We've all gone to reunions with him as kids to adults.

17 Family picture of Edward Michael, the son of John O’ Connor Back row, left to right: Myrl, Arlo and Eddie. Middle row, left to right: Neoma, Ione, Edward, Harry, Kathryn, Frances and Gretchen. Front row, left to right: Phylis, Leola and June.

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descendant of John, great granddaughter of Edward Michael O’ Connor, grand- daughter of Ione Ellen O’ Connor, sister to Tami and Talea. Works as an occupational therapist and teaches English to immigrants. Married to Gregory LaDouceur, physical therapist. Ione Ellen O’ Connor eldest daughter of Lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. Edward Michael O’ Connor, married to Douglas Phillip Hunt) 18 Tami Gravem (descendent of John, granddaughter of Ione Ellen O’ Connor) with sons Ryan (Megan) left side of photo, and Matthew (Casey) right side of photo.

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descendant of John, great granddaughter of Edward Michael O’ Connor, granddaughter of Ione Ellen O’ Connor, Ione was the first child born to Edward and Kathryn O Connor in 1906. Tami is sister to Tyone and Talea. Lives in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Works as a medical practice manager. Has two boys: Matthew and Ryan. Two grandchildren: Colin and Gannon.

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descendant of John, granddaughter of Edward Michael O’ Connor, daughter of Harry and Mary O’ Connor. Harry O’ Connor was the ninth child of Edward Michael O’ Connor, born in 1924. Clare is sister to Kathryn, Shaune Colleen, and Kerry Eileen. Clare has retired and enjoying every minute!

“Kathy and I live in Faribault, Mn. Shaune lives in Winona, MN. Kerry on Isle of Palms, So Carolina. Shannon, Left to right: Sisters Kerry Hood, Clare, new Nathan and Donovan live on Maui, niece in law - Shannon Hood, Kathy Gramse Hawaii.” and Shaune Burke. 19 Top row, left to right: Emily, Conor, Patrick Sewich and Chris Allen. Middle row, left to right: Taylor, Kathleen, Gretchen Sewich and Stacey. Bottom row, left to right: Cabot, George Allen, June O’ Connor Allen and Makenzie.

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33-5 is a descendant of John O’ Connor, grand-daughter, and the youngest daughter of Edward Michael O’ Connor and Kathryn O’ Connor, born 1928. June O’ Connor married Thomas Allen who is deceased and they reared three children.

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is married to Kathleen and they have three children, Emily who lives in Denver Colorado and Taylor and Michael who live in Edina MN.

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33-5 is married to Stacey and they have two children, Makenzie and Cabot and they live in Eden Prairie, MN. Geoff Allen and family 20 MARY ANN O’ CONNOR  



We would like to remember Mary Ann O’ Connor at this gathering. Mary Ann O’ Connor was the only sister of the brothers, Doncha Bán, John, Patrick, Thomas, James, Jeremiah. According to the O’ Connor Chronicles, Maryann was married to Dan O Sullivan before she left Ireland. Dan went ahead of her to the US and was granted his homestead plot by President Ulysses S.Grant on the 10th September 1870, being one of the first O Connor’s to settle. Maryann left Ireland with her three youngest children to join her husband Dan Sullivan. He was not at the train to meet her at Jefferson and it is said that she walked with her three children from Jefferson to Garryowen, a woman of great stamina resource-fulness and love for her man.

There is no representative from the Mary Gretchen and Patrick Allen Sewich Ann O’ Connor branch at this reunion. Some of her descendants have visited Seanchnoc, Ballyferriter over the years. Edith Nelson was at the first O‘ Connor reunion 1988. Síle O’ Connor, Seanchnoc, has memories of visiting the Merrigan home and farm at Garryowen when she and her husband Doncha attended the O‘ Connor Reunion in Sioux Falls 1983. It would be good to learn more about the descendants of Mary Ann and Dan Sullivan.

Hazel Catherine Blair-Merrigan- Mary Ann O’ Connor's Christopher Allen and family grandaughter. 21 THOMAS O’ CONNOR

Back row, left to right: John, Marcella, Vincent, Mary-Agnes, Katherine and Ellen. Front row, left to right: Joe, Thomas (father) and Johannah Mathilda

Wedding photo of my mother and dad - Dolores O' Connor McGill, and Edmund J. McGill "The quality of our looking determines are my parents. Dolores is one of Vince O' what we come to see.” Connor's daughters, meaning that Dolores would, of course, have been a granddaughter of emigrant Thomas O' Connor. - John O'Donohue, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace I live in Wells, Minnesota where I work with education technology - after "1:)
&65,8)+-2 - I am the great spending many years as a high school grandchild of the emigrant Thomas O’ English teacher. Connor. My grandparents were Thomas Vincent (Vince) and Mary Ellen (Self) O’ Connor. Thomas Vincent was the first born and son of Thomas. My mother was Dolores, the tenth child born to Thomas Vincent. My mother married Edmund J McGill. They raised ten children, I am the second youngest. I am married to George Vondracek and we have two sons, Christopher and Leo. Christopher is a teacher and aspiring writer who currently lives in South Myself, my husband George, and our two Dakota. Leo is an aspiring musician who sons Christopher and Leo. Christopher is a is keeping body and soul together in Los teacher and aspiring writer who currently lives in South Dakota. Leo is an aspiring musician who is Angeles. keeping body and soul together in Los Angeles. 22 My grandparents - Thomas Vincent ("Vince") and Mary Ellen ("Self") O' Connor. My grandfather was one of emigrant Thomas O' Connor's sons.

Picture of the 10 adult McGill children - I am second from the left in this picture. All of us McGill "kids" would be great-grandchildren of emigrant Thomas O' Connor.

23 My mother and the Garryowen sign - This submission is actually two pictures combined. Before Mom (Dolores O' Connor McGill) passed away, I used to take her on "heritage rides" in the car when I would return home to South Dakota to visit. Mom grew up in Garryowen and was married in the Garryowen St. Mary's Church. The church has been deactivated now, but within the last few years, a sign telling a bit about the history of the Garryowen church and its Irish founders has been posted near the cemetery. My grandpa actually dug the first grave in that cemetery, and I believe that is the cemetery where emigrant Thomas O' Connor is buried.

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8-1:@-8 We went to Vermillion to see Grandma According to my Grandmother Johanna nearly every Sunday or she was up Mathilda O' Connor Geppert (Tillie), visiting us. Tillie had many stories she Thomas landed in NY with John, would share about her father and his life Patrick, Jerry, Tim and Mary. They in Ireland. I know she was very happy worked their way to Iowa, where growing up with all her Irish cousins Thomas met his wife Catherine Dowd. and had many stories about big dinners They lived near Waterloo, Iowa and and family celebrations after Sunday farmed for a number of years and had 4 mass. children while they were living there. They got news of good land in South I am the 6th, the youngest and the only Dakota, and so Thomas and three of his daughter of Mary and Lloyd Kreitzer brothers moved near Greenfield, SD. who lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They all built houses next to each other, I married my husband, John Depew, in near an Irish settlement. Five more 1990 and we moved from Minneapolis, children were born here, including my Minnesota to Sunnyvale, California in grandmother. 1996. My husband worked at Apple Computer for 15 years and that job is Thomas brought a reed organ home one what brought us to California. We have day, and grandma's sister Kate took 3 sons: Nathan, age 23, graduated from some lessons, then later taught grandma

25 The Mark Kreitzer Family some songs. She also had a brother who childhood. It was a great place to grow saved up a dollar and bought a fiddle, up - lots of other kids around, and the after making his own fiddle out of corn Orr family was also in town, so we got stalks. He later would play for barn to be great friends. dances. I married Kathy Thoen - my high school Tillie was quite a good student and went sweetheart - and we now live in to college - not exactly the normal thing Minneapolis, MN. We have two to do back then! She wanted to major in daughters, Emily and Katie, and Emily's mathematics, but had a teacher who son is Adam, Katie's daughter is made that impossible, so she was to Johanna. We're so lucky to have them all become a teacher. After college, she living in our town. married Charles Geppert, and they had eight children, including my mother Mary. All of her siblings were good students, and they all became teachers or doctors. They were also very musical, and my brothers and sister are all blessed with musical genes, too.

Mom and my dad Lloyd Kreitzer eventually ended up in Sioux Falls, SD, where we all spent most or all of our Joseph and MaryJo Kreitzer.

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Meredith Orr is a descendant of Thomas O’ Connor. Beverley Jean Geppert was the seventh child of Mathilda O’ Connor Geppert. Beverley married Thomas Orr. Meredith Orr is their youngest daughter.

26 PATRICK O’ CONNOR

Written in 2017 by Barbara Smith (generation 7)

My great-great grandfather was !),8)1/ !):81+2
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)5515/ on June 18th 1869 in Union County, South Dakota. They had 16 children. At some point they moved to Montana. I don’t know why or when. Perhaps employ- ment was more readily available, I’m not

Mary Ann O' Connor holding her granddaughter, Pat Miller Erhart. Taken in 1918 year of Pat's birth. Mary Ann is Patrick O' Connor's daughter.

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(1870-1921), my great- grandmother. Mary Ann married )4-9 133-8
where they raised a family of four sons and two daughters. It is said that he was killed by a hit and run driver. It is also said that James Miller really was James Etheridge, one of 16 siblings. Some of the Etheridge children were given to other families to be raised and James went to the Miller family. He took This is a photo of Mary Ann O' Connor. She is the name of Miller and passed it down the daughter of Patrick O' Connor. Mother of to his own 6 children: Arthur, Elmer, Elmer, Art, and Raymond. Grandmother of Pat Clement, Viola, Raymond, and and Audrey. Great grandmother of Susan and me. I was told she died young at 51 years of age, Madeline. Raymond and Madeline were but my mom and Audrey both remembered her. twins. I think all six were born in Butte 27 ear, never having had formal lessons. He was an avid reader, a friend to all, generous, and spiritual. While in Butte, he worked in the coal mines.

Elmer and Mae had two daughters, )8/)8-:
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(1919-2015). Elmer moved the family to Southern California in 1921 to escape the coal mines and for the marvelous weather. (Few people wanted to be in Montana during the winter!) !):
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in 1939 at Our Lady of Sons of Mary Ann O' Connor. Mary Ann was the Perpetual Help Church in Downey daughter of Patrick O' Connor and the mother of California. They met at the Church’s these 3. Elmer, Arthur (Art) and Raymond Miller. annual St. Patrick’s Day dance. They had Elmer was dad to Audrey & Pat. Arthur and Raymond were their Uncles. two daughters, #;9)5
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133-8 (1895-1980) was generous, intelligent women. The owned my Grandfather. He married Mary their own businesses. Audrey had her (Mae) Frances Hale Dunn on February own Insurance business and Pat along 14th, 1917 in Butte, Montana at St. with my dad Ben had several businesses Patrick’s Church. Elmer was a very over the years. (Catholic Religious intelligent man who played the piano by Article store, Fish & Poultry Stores,

These are all Generation 8 O' Connors. Susan's 5 children and Barbara's 3 sons. This photo was taken in 2004. 28 (coming in October 2017!) I love them all so much. I live with my wonderful husband, Chuck Smith, in Morgan Hill, California. Morgan Hill is about an hour south of San Francisco. I am a retired school teacher having spent 44 year teaching in elementary schools. I loved being a teacher, but love retirement more! I now can discover hobbies which I never had time for. I take watercolor and oil painting lessons. I act on stage in our community theatres. I travel with my husband Chuck. We have traveled to Audrey Bogue, Elmer Miller & Pat Erhart. France, Italy, Ireland, Bosnia, Poland, Elmer is Generation 5, Audrey and Pat, his daughters are Generation 6. Elmer's mother was Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Mary Ann O' Connor, daughter of Patrick. Austria, Norway, Holland, and Belgium. While at home we enjoy symphonies, Catering, Turkey raising processing and opera, live theatre, and the San Francisco selling, Teaching cooking lessons). My Giants baseball games. Within a 5 hour Mother & Dad, Pat and Ben Erhart drive is Yosemite Valley one way or the attended an O’ Connor reunion here in giant Redwoods the other way. Within a Ballyferiter in 1988 and I brought my half hour is the coast of the Pacific Aunt Audrey to a reunion here in 2010. Ocean. Within 15 minutes are some tasty Both my mom and Audrey cherished all wine cellars and vineyards. We will take of you and the warm memories of being you wine-tasting and treat you to a here with you. bottle. If any “cousin” wants to visit, we’d love to have you. Susan and I (Generation 7’s) both spent some years in the convent after high God bless all the O’ Connors. school. I was there for 16 years. We were with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. After leaving the convent we both married and raised our families. Susan and I are generation 7 in this O’ Connor legacy. Our children are generation 8 and our grandchildren are generation 9. Susan had 5 children: John Devane, Thomas Devane, Ann Devane, Patrick Devane, and Daniel Devane. There are 4 grandchildren: Bailey, Addison, Samantha, and Mark.

I have three sons, Alfred Ruel, Ben Ruel and Paul Ruel (d.2008). I have three Susan Devane, Audrey Bogue grandchildren, Gabriella, Anna and ??? and Barbara Smith. 29 30 31 32 33 JAMES O’ CONNOR (Long Jim)

34 35 36 37 38 TIMOTHY O’ CONNOR

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descendants of Timothy, granddaughter/grandsons of Patrick Lawrence O’Connor, third son of the emigrant Timothy.

“Mike O’Connor is the youngest of eight in Grattan and Mary’s family.“

“My wife Janice and I have lived in Sioux Falls our entire life (for the most My family, Janice my wife to my left. part). Janice is a nurse and I worked at My youngest daughter Erin and her husband O’Connor Company. We have been Chris (Rallis) to the left. And my oldest married 32 years and we are still madly daughter Kayla and her husband Blake Thompson to the right. in love with each other.

We have been blessed with two beautiful daughters and they both married local guys and live right here in Sioux Falls. So far we have been blessed with one grandson, Fitzgerald, whom we call “Fitz”, whom we are certain is the cutest 19 month old in the entire world.”

Me with my grand son Fitzgerald, Kayla and Blake’s son. Gratton (Irish) and Mary O’ Connor. 39 All the O’ Connor siblings, from left to right, Jan’s family, from left to right to left, Russ Mark, Dave, Susan, Bob, Jan, Mike and Tom. (Evenson - Jan’s husband), Jeff Vecchio (son), Alexa Vecchio (grand daughter), Jan (Evenson), Angela Vecchio (daughter), Todd Vecchio (son)and Diana (daughter in law).

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second child born to Grattan and Mary O’ Connor.

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– heating and cooling specialists was founded in 1970 by Irish Grattan and Mary O’ Connor under two basic principles, comfort and service. For nearly half a century O' Connor Company has been rising to the challenge and meeting the demand for commercial HVAC equipment. Whether working with building owners, mechanical contractors or consulting engineers, we are here to provide continued expertise coupled with quality parts and equipment. O' Connor Company covers a wide territory throughout South Dakota as well as northwest Iowa, eastern Wyoming and Montana and Nebraska.

40 REMEMBRANCE

Remembering dear friends and cousins who have passed away since the 2010 reunion. May they rest in peace.

Harry O’ Connor, son of Edward Michael, grandson of emigrant John O’ Connor. Died on 24 October 2011.

Mary Lou Sinnen, granddaughter of Austin Jerome who was emigrant John O’ Connor son. Died on 11 February 2015.

Audrey Bogue, granddaughter of Mary O’ Connor who was emigrant Patrick O’ Connor daughter. Died on 3 March 2015.

Bob Dunfey, grandson of Mary O’ Connor (Manning) who emigrated from Ballyferriter and great-grandson of Denis (Doncha Bán) O’ Connor. Died on 23 August 2016.

41 . . s y ’ l i 0 0 m . 8 a d f 1 a d e e t n h t s a e n n i m e d o e l a i H e E r t , s o n e n í n n m o a o e C H S ’ r O h o t i n e n h w t o r t C e a t ‘ i r y O r n e d f n l i y l O D l , , a y n B í n t n n i a i a D e e g S e l a , r d e l u d i d o t d m i n , e m n í , y n y e i f n a n n e i u S D D : t : e f t f e n l i e r l e m h m o t r o a f r f , C , p : o e m l T o d t t d i o M B

42 The Three Sisters and Smervick Harbour O’ CONNOR REUNION 2017 ATTENDANCE

Robert O' Connor Michael O’ Connor Tish Dunfey - Karla O' Connor Laurent Ferron Hoyt Tierney O' Connor Rita Vondracek Michael Downes Michael O' Connor George Vondracek Josie Ó Giobúin Janice O' Connor Geoff Allen Máire Uí Ghiobúin Blake Thompson Kathleen Allen Doloros O’ Connor Kayla Thompson Emily Allen Sean Martin Chris Rallis Taylor Allen Carmel O’ Connor Erin Rallis Connor Allen Eileen O’ Connor Janice Evenson Clare O’ Connor Mark Woloshak Russ Evenson Ruby Winings Ivan Woloshak Todd Vecchio Jim Winings Christopher Diana Vecchio Gretchen Sewich Woloshak Alexa Vecchio June Allen Síle Ní Chonchúir Jeff Vecchio Tami Gravem Aodan Ó Conchúir Kevin T. O’ Connor Tim Flanagan Mícheal Ó Conchúir Mary Jo Kreitzer Tyone Ladoucer Doncha Ó Conchúir Joe Kreitzer Greg Ladoucer Sinéad Ní Chonchúir Chuck Kreitzer Jean Cowherd Karen Ní Chonchúir Mary Depew R. Louis Cowherd Liam O’ Sullivan Nathen Depew Craig Gab Caitlín Ní Chaomh- Charles Depew Polly Gab ánaigh Jack Depew Harry Hemstreet Peig De hÓra Mark Kreitzer Beth Hemstreet Eoghan Ó Giobúin Kathy Kreitzer Michael Hemstreet Donncha Ó Giobúin Katie Kreitzer Marjie Hemstreet Conall Ó Giobúin Johanna Kreitzer Amy Kuhl - Neala Dunfey Barb Edwards Williams Maryann Dunfey Nathan Edwards Morgan Williams Muiris Fenton Meredith Orr Barbara Smith Máire Farrell Kevin O’ Connor Chuck Smith Michael Farrell Rhonda O’ Connor Lester Downing

44