Patrick Connolly was born in December 1839 in Cootehill, Cavan, Ireland, the son of Elizabeth and Owen. When Patrick was about six years old, the Great Potato Famin hit Caven from 1845-1849. The winter of 1847 was particularly hard, with many deaths from starvation and diseases such as typhus and cholera. However, Patrick's family remained in Ireland, unlike many Irish families that immigrated to places such as Canada and the United States.
Patrick immigrated to the United States in 1860 (according to the 1880 US Census).
He married Rose (Rosa) McDonald in 1870 and they had five sons and six daughters together.
Patrick had little schooling and could not read or write (according to census documents). However, he was a successful farmer despite his lack of schooling and he left property for his wife and children. Patrick executed a Will, signing with his mark, that was entered in Probate 23 Dec 1907.
He died on October 20, 1907, in Pierce City, Missouri, at the age of 67, and was buried in Saint Patricks Cemetery.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Dec 1839 | VIEW SOURCE |
| Date of Death | 20th Oct 1907 | VIEW SOURCE |