Extensive research conducted by James Golden of Dublin, Ireland, states that, (according to the NLI pos. 4235, Lemanaghan & Ballynahown) the Golden family roots are set in townland of Ballynahown and Lemanaghan parish in County Westemeath, to the north and west of Clara in County Offaly. It is in this register, the wedding of Michael and Eleanora Flynne on May 7, 1836 is recorded. Also, there appears to have been a concentration of Goldens in Bellair (Ballyard) and Ballycumber in County Offaly, to the south and west of Clara.
It is difficult to draw any lineage before Michael, or to clearly identify his siblings, as there is a preponderance of names common to the family, such as Michael, John, James, Edward, Bridget, Mary, Margaret and so on recorded. To distinguish between siblings and cousins has proved impossible.
Family oral history has it that their son, Patrick, was born in Clara, County Offaly, Ireland. Patrick was quoted to have said "I was born in the County of Kings," which is the former name for County Offaly. This is confirmed, as the grave stone of Michael and Ellen, in Calvary Cemetery in Queens County, New York, lists the fact that they are "Natiives of Clara, Kings Co. Ireland." Furthermore, there is a record in the Tithe Applotments of 1854 of a Michael Golden living "at Bridge Street/Water Lane in the village of Clara." Given that the extensive research performed by Jim Golden shows no additional combinations of these or similar names, it appears that this would be the Michael Golden and Eleanor Flynn who were married on May 7, 1836 in the Lemanaghan RC Parish, Ballynahown, County Westmeath, Ireland. Numerous Goldens were also married in this same church, likely brothers and sisters, or cousins of Michael. Also, given the apparent concentration of Goldens in Bellair (Ballyard) and Ballycumber in County Offaly, all of these places within a 20 mile radius, it appears that we have a reasonable fix as to Michael and Ellen’s origins.
Nothing is known of Michael and Ellen’s lives in Ireland. According to the New York State Census of 1905, their son, Patrick, sets the year of their immigration as 1865. Interestingly, given their marriage in 1836, they would have endured the period of “great starvation” only to emigrate in 1865. One would wonder what would have precipitated their departure at that late date, however, this was also a time of turmoil in Ireland, beginning with the "Fenian uprising" of 1867, and leading up to the land war of 1879 led by Charles Stewart Parnell. On the other hand, according to the census of 1880, their oldest son, James, claims to have arrived in 1860. It is possible that the family arrived separately, but what is certain, is that Michael and Ellen, along with their sons and daughters resided in New York in time for the 1870 census.
As Americans, we take for granted the freedoms and lifestyle that we have as our birthright. It is unlikely to enter our minds that at some point we might have to move to another country in order to support ourselves. And one can only imagine the heartbreak of leaving everything – our families, friends, and all the sights and sounds of our life to that date. We can easily envision the sadness of the family gathered for the “American Wake.” What thoughts must have been on his mind as he left his life behind for the uncertainty of life in a new country with new sets of expectations?
According to the United States Census of 1870, Michael Golden (age 52) and Ellen Flynn (age 60) resided in New York City in the “21st Ward, 14 District.” According to the 1870 Hardy Map of 1870 Election districts, this would place their home in the vicinity of 3rd Avenue and 30th Street. According to this same Census, they resided with their sons James (30), Edward (28), and Patrick (23). They also had at least three daughters: Bridget (25), Mary “Mariah” (22) and Margaret "Mag" (15). All of these siblings were born in County Offaly and immigrated to the United States with their parents.
It is uncertain as to what Michael did specifically to support himself and his family, though each of the male children were also employed according to the 1870 Census. Michael lists his occupation as a “carman” whereas his sons were listed as “carman” and “boatman.” Ellen was listed as “Keeping House” whereas the girls were listed as simply “at home.” Notably, Ellen was listed as being neither able to read or write.
Michael passed away at 57 years of age on September 18, 1873. Ellen passed at 74 years of age in April, 1884. They are buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1816 (circa) | |
| Date of Death | 18th Sep 1873 | |
| Townland born | Possibly Bellair or Ballycumber | |
| Names of Siblings | Siblings and or Cousins: Michael, John, James, Edward, Bridget, Mary, Margaret | |
| Names of Children | James (1840-1904), Edward "Ned", (1842 - ?), Bridget (1845 - 1914), Mary "Mariah" (1847 - 1905), Patrick (1847 - 1908), Margaret "Mag" (1855 - 1910) | |
| First Child | James | |
| Occupation | “Carman” and “boatman“ | |
| Place of Death | Manhatten, New York, Buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, Queens, New York | |
