O'Dea O'Meara

Hi again Kiwi

There is a public member tree on ancestry which has this family (owner kbroadley1)

It has James O'Dea born c 1848 in Cappamore; rootsireland has 2 records:

James DayDate of Birth:

Date of Baptism:11-Jun-1847Address:Not RecordedParish/District:CAPPAMOREGender:UnknownCountyCo. Limerick

Denomination:Roman Catholic
Father:William DayMother:Julianne QuigleyOccupation:

Sponsor 1 /
Informant 1:Hon. Ryan

Name:James DeaDate of Birth:

Date of Baptism:14-Jul-1849Address:CappamoreParish/District:CAPPAMOREGender:UnknownCountyCo. Limerick

Denomination:Roman Catholic
Father:James DeaMother:Bridget BrowneOccupation:

Sponsor 1 /
Informant 1:John MurphySponsor 2 /
Informant 2:Bgt. Meehan

It has Bridget O'Meara born Doon 1849 & here she is:

Name:Bridget MaraDate of Birth:

Date of Baptism:06-Jul-1849Address:CoogaParish/District:DOONGender:UnknownCountyCo. Limerick

Denomination:Roman Catholic
Father:Patk. MaraMother:Bridget SheehyOccupation:

Sponsor 1 /
Informant 1:Robert FoxSponsor 2 /
Informant 2:Judy Gorman

They married 23 Apr 1874 in Sacred Hearts & St Stephens 108 Carroll St Brooklyn New York

Col

Thank you so much Col for this information. Once I digest it properly I will see what I need next to follow my family further. The spellings DeaDayODea and OMearaMearaMara are very confusing.

K

Hi Kiwi if your still looking for information on the O'Dea, Meara familys i can fill you in as my Granmother was O' Meara and have all the O' Dea and Meara information. Phil

Elizabeth O' Dea baptised in Cappamore County Limerick 1/7/1846 her parents James o Dea and Bridget Browne, her sibling James O Dea baptised in Cappamore 7/14/ 1849. That James married Bridget O Meara from Cooga Doon County Limerick in  the Sacred Hearts and St. Stephens Church Brooklyn, New York on the 23/4/1874. They returned to Ireland soon after where their son Patrick was baptised in Doon Church, James and Bridget aged 25 and 23 years and Patrick 1 year sailed on the Ship Waimea to New Zealand, where 8 more children were born to them, John, James Joseph, Mary, Bridget, Richard,Edmond, Elizabeth.and Thomas. Bridget O' Meara was one of 10 children born to Patrick O'Meara and Bridget Sheehy of Cooga Doon Limerick Baptised 6/7/1849 she was my Grandmothers Aunt. She got into bad health in New Zealand and died in a Mental Hospital. some of the children were put into Hawera Convent Where Catherine 4 1/2 years died from burns she received while sitting in front of the stove her 9 year old sister Mary Ann gave evidence at the enquirey. the O'Dea family were in contact with my grandmother and i have some photos from the time. I am also in contact with Graham & Diana O'Dea from Auckland and Brian O' Dea from Taranaki. who all have come back to Ireland to see where their roots came from. I have plenty more info if you need it. Slan Leat Phil.

my Email philipfitzgerald121@hotmail.com

Hi Phil

Tried emailing. Would love to get more information on the O'Mearas. The 9 year old Mary Ann was my grandmother.

K

Hi - Elizabeth was my great grandmother. I'm in Wellington and would love any info anyone has. My husband and I went to the Hager a cemetery a couple of years ago and I was surprised to see there were flowers on Katie's grave (the one who died in the fire at the convent). I'd love to know who they were from! I knew the children were put into the convent but I didn't know why. Maybe post natal depression with such young children?

Have just been looking through my photos and I see Bridget's grave says she was 70, so not post natal depression in that case! Does anyone know why the children were put into the convent and for how long?

This article says she died at her son's house (not mental hospital as above) http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HNS…--

Do you think it is wrong and was the avoid the stigma of mental health? The age is wrong but (76 not 70) but am guessing was a typo.

Hello Nichola

I have quite a lot of O'Dea information which I will gladly share and I know a little about Bridget O'Dea/O'Meara. Your greatgrandmother Elizabeth was my much loved Auntie Lizzie and your grandmother Josie my godmother. I live in Palmerston North. Let me know if you'd like to share your information too. My email kbroadley@ihug.co.nz

K

Hi Kiwi - I emailed you but not sure if you got it? I would love to connect up - my emaiil address is nicholaoakenfull at gmail dot com