Dalton James, Park, Kilcolman. James lived on the roadside at the entrance to another Dalton family in Park whose farm was inherited by Martin Dalton, Upper Dirreen, Athea. On March 6th, 1887 at Kilcolman church, this James Dalton, farmer, son of Michael Dalton, married Kathleen Long from Kilcolman, daughter of Thomas Long, the witnesses being – Thomas Culhane, Barneigue & Mary Hanrahan.

Thomas Culhane had a brother Maurice ‘Beag’ Culhane. On July 31^st, 1937, either their nephew or grand nephew Jimmy Culhane, aged 34 years, son of James Culhane, married Mary O’Brien, aged 29 years, from Scort, Glin, daughter of Daniel O’Brien, the witnesses being – James Dalton & Anna Sheahan. Shortly after the marriage Mary died leaving two very young children behind, Tom & Maurice, whom I believe was reared by a Kate Shanahan. Tom married Joan Moore, publican Carrickerry and Maurice, who was a schoolteacher married up around Co. Kildare.

Going by the 1901 Census, James Dalton was 25 years older than his wife Katherine Long. They had a daughter Mary Dalton who was born on Dec 16th, 1887. Mary emigrated to Chicago and at the age of 23 years married Daniel J. Connolly aged 25 years, from Scort, (Glenagragra) on Aug 14th, 1912 at Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Daniel & Mary probably knew one another before emigrating as Daniel’s brother George Connolly worked as a farm labourer at Dalton’s. It is of the belief that the Dalton’s and Connolly families were someway related. Daniel Connolly born March 2nd, 1889, emigrated to the U.S.A. and joined the police there. Daniel’s nephew, the late Paddy Connolly informed me that Daniel was shot in the course of his duty and died some years afterwards as a result of the said gunshot wound. He came home on a visit to Glenagragra before his death.Daniel & Mary lived in California Ave and Mary emigrated in either 1900 or 1903. The 1920 U.S. Census reads as follows –

Daniel J Connolly	30	Head
Mary A Connolly	30	Wife
Mary K Connolly	5	Daughter
Daniel Connolly	2	Son
Jerimiah Connolly	39	Brother
Michael D O’ Connor	53	Cousin
James O’ Connor	18	Cousin
Kathrine Dalton	20	Sister-in-law

The 1930 U.S. Census there are two more children – Dolores Connolly aged 7 years & Jeremiah Connolly aged 6 years.

Mary Dalton Connolly died a widow on Sept 21st, 1977 at 6477 N Ozanam Ave, Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States aged 87 years and is buried in Mount Carmel cemetery.

The remainder of the Dalton family as follows –

Michael Dalton, born May 5th, 1889, got killed when he fell off the draw-bar of a tractor and trailer. Bridget Dalton, born on November 4th, 1890. Margaret (Maggie) Dalton, born on March 6th, 1892 who died at a relatively young age. John Dalton, born Aug 14th, 1893. John (Jack) emigrated to the U.S.A, returned and lived out his life in the old homestead. He is buried in Kilbradran cemetery. William (Bill) Dalton, born on Jan 20th, 1895. Bill was married to one of the Culhane’s of Turraree, Glin. Kate Dalton, born on March 26th, 1896. Kate also emigrated as per the 1920 U.S. Census above. James Dalton, born on Sept 4th, 1900. James lived, in a passageway almost directly across from Gortadroma land fill. It was with James that George Connolly worked for. There is a headstone in Kilbradran cemetery, Shanagolden that was erected by by Mary Dalton Connolly. It’s not easy to read but it says….Erected by Mary Dalton Connolly to my dear grandmother Brigid Griffin, Katherine Dalton & my sister Margaret Dalton. Going by that information, Mary’s grandmother Bridget Griffin, was from Glenagragra and more than likely married to Michael Dalton.