GEORGE GRIFFIN b circa 1805
(as per Griffiths Valuation , Glenagragra, Glin 1851)
George Griffin Knockdown, Glenagragra & KIlmurry McMahon, Co. Clare. George was married to Johanna McGrath.
The Griffin-McGrath Connection:
A 19th-Century Irish Family Saga.
In 1852, George Griffin and Connor Carroll were recorded as jointly paying tithes for 35 acres in Knockdown. This historical detail is intriguing, as neither of their names appears in the 1901 Census for the townland, both deceased, leaving a gap in the documented presence of these individuals over half a century.
Land Holdings and Family Ties
George Griffin not only held land with Conor Carroll but also shared an 87-acre mountain commonage with Connor McGrath. This connection to the McGrath family is significant, as George Griffin is believed to have been married to Johanna McGrath, Connor’s sister. The familial relationship between the Griffin’s and the McGrath’s is further evidenced by the McGrath family’s decision to give graves to the Nolan family in Kilfergus Cemetery, Glin—an indication of close ties and mutual respect.
The Legacy of George Griffin
George Griffin, from Glenagragra, passed away on December 9th, 1897, at the age of 92, his grandson, John Griffin, was present at his death, highlighting a close-knit family structure. Despite his marriage being recorded at the time of his death, there is no available death certificate for his wife, Johanna. This absence suggests that Johanna likely passed away between 1897 and 1901, as she is not listed in the 1901 Census.
The Nolan Connection
The connection between the Griffin’s and the Nolan’s is another testament to the intertwined relationships of these families. Margaret Griffin, George’s great-granddaughter, known locally as “Maggie George.” Margaret’s marriage to Jackie Nolan from Lisready, Loughill ties the Griffins to the Nolans, further cementing the legacy of George Griffin within the local community.
The Griffin-McGrath Family
The family of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath is an example of the intricate web of relationships that characterized rural Irish communities in the 19th century. Although some records are missing, the connections and land holdings provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these families. As more genealogical research is conducted, the story of the Griffins’, McGrath’s, and Nolan’s will continue to unfold, offering insights into their enduring legacy.
Family of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath as follows-
1. Johanna Griffin, (Daughter of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath)
Johanna Griffin was born Dec 25th, 1842, Shanagolden District, Co. Limerick, more than likely at Knockdown, and died on Jan 15th, 1911 at Glenalappa, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. On Feb 26th, 1867 at Glin church, Johanna married John Mulvihill, farmer and widower, born circa 1834 at Glenalappa (son of Michael Mulvihill) and died Aug 8th, 1882, Glenalappa, Moyvane, Co. Kerry. The witnesses for the wedding were Michael Mulvihill & Mary Griffin.
Johanna Griffin & John Mulvihill had the following family –
1.Johanna Mulvihill b. 18 Jan 1868, Glenalappa, Moyvane, Co. Kerry, married Thomas Sheahan b. Abt 1847, Tullyleague, Glin, son of Patrick Sheahan, deceased and Kitty Frawley. Marriage of Johanna and Thomas on May 9th, 1889, Glin, Co Limerick, the witnesses being James Morgan & Maggie Mulvihill.
Johanna Mulvihill & Thomas Sheahan had the following family –
i.Mary Sheahan b. 11 Aug 1890, Tullyleague.
ii.Catherine (Kate) Sheahan b. 6 Nov 1891, Tullyleague.
iii.Patrick Sheahan b. 26 Feb 1894, Tullyleague.
iv.Johanna (Josie) Sheahan b. 8 Dec 1895, Tullyleague.
v.John Sheahan b. Abt 1898, Tullyleague.
vi.Margaret (Maggie) Sheahan b. 11 Aug 1899.
vii.Ellen (Aileen) Sheahan b. 28 Mar 1903, Tullyleague.
2.Mary Mulvihill b. 11 Apr 1869, Glenalappa. A Mary Mulvihill died at Tarmons, Tarbert from diphtheria on Aug 10th, 1872, could be Mary. A Catherine Twomey present at the death.
3.Jeremiah Mulvihill b. 2 Nov 1870, Glenalappa, Moyvane, Kerry, d. Nov-Dec 1870, Glin, Co Limerick.
4.Margaret Mulvihill b. 29 Feb 1872, Glenalappa, Moyvane, Kerry, d. Sep-Dec 1872, Glin, Co Limerick.
5.Michael Mulvihill b. 21 Nov 1873, Glenalappa, Moyvane, Kerry.
6.Margaret Mulvihill b. 18 Jun 1875, Glenalappa, Moyvane, Kerry.
7.John Mulvihill b. 17 Oct 1877, Glenalappa, Moyvane, Kerry.
8.Patrick Mulvihill b. 29 May 1881, Meenaner, Listowel, Co Kerry.
2. Patrick Griffin (son of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath)
2. Patrick Griffin (son of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath) who was born at Knockdown Dec 15th,1844 and died at Glenagragra on Feb 13th, 1929. Patrick emigrated to the U.S. where he married twice, firstly to Ellen Fitzgerald from ? Ellen was born circa 1847 and died Nov 12th, 1879 in Jersey city. Patrick & Ellen had a family of six as follows –
i.George Griffin born June 7th, 1872, Jersey city and died before 1880.
ii.Johanna (Josephine) Griffin born June 29th, 1873, Jersey city and died Dec 4th, 1928, Jersey city. Johanna married Francis E (Frank) MOERSDORF b. 21 Feb 1874, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, m. 19 Jan 1908, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, d. 16 Apr 1912, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA.
iii.Thomas Griffin born on Oct 27th, 1874, Jersey city and died March 3rd, 1876 at Jersey city.
iv.Mary (Mamie) Griffin born on Nov 5th, 1876, Jersey city and died after 1923.
v.Gerald Griffin born March 30th, 1878, Jersey city and died on Aug 20th, 1879 at Jersey city.
vi.Stillborn Griffin born on Nov 6th, 1879, Jersey city and died Nov 6th, 1879, Jersey city.
Patrick Griffin’s second marriage on June 8th, 1880 to Anna McConnell b. 1852, Jersey City and died Jun 9th, 1909, Jersey city and had the following child –
John F Griffin born Mar 1884, Jersey City, and died Jan 26th, 1910, Jersey City. John married Estelle Augusta (Stella) Hall b. 17 Apr 1889, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, m. 29 Nov 1908, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, d. 26 Dec 1919, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. Family as follows –
i.Estelle Griffin b. 30 Jul 1910, Newark, New Jersey, d. 27 Jan 2007, Wallington, NJ, USA, married George William Holden b. 29 May 1910, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, m. 28 Jun 1931, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, d. 9 Jan 1992, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Following Anna’s death, Patrick returned to Glenagragra and lived on in the family home with his brother George and sister Johanna. Patrick Griffin died on Feb 13th, 1929, aged 84 years, a widower, at Glenagragra, Glin, County Limerick, his nephew John Griffin present at the death. Patrick Griffin was a God parent for some of Jim Feury’s children who were baptised in Glin.
3.William Griffin. (son of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath)
William Griffin b. Abt Aug 1849, Glenagragra, Glin, Co Limerick, d. Before 1910. William emigrated to the U.S. and married Johanna O’HERRON (AHERN) b. Abt 1847 in Ireland, m. 4 May 1872, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, d. Jun 1928, Parsons, Luzerne, PA, USA. Family as follows –
i.Johanna T Griffin (daughter of William Griffin & Johanna O’Herron (Ahern)) b. 2 Jul 1873, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, d. Jan 1929, Camden, NJ, USA, married twice (1) George Carroll b. Abt 1866, m. 14 Feb 1893, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, d. 10 Mar 1894, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. Marriage (2) to Thomas F Burns b. 25 Aug 1874, New York, USA, m. 28 Nov 1894, New Jersey, USA, d. 28 May 1952, Camden, NJ, USA. and had a family of 9.
ii.George GRIFFIN (son of William Griffin & Johanna O’Herron (Ahern)) b. 6 Nov 1874, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, d. 10 Oct 1876, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA.
iii.Ellen GRIFFIN (daughter of William Griffin & Johanna O’Herron (Ahern)) b. 6 Nov 1874, Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA, d. 26 Aug 1875, Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA.
iv.George Francis GRIFFIN (son of William Griffin & Johanna O’Herron (Ahern)) b. 19 Feb 1876, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA who married Mildred (possibly Winifred) Walsh b. 22 Apr 1882, New Jersey, USA, m. 1902, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA.
v.William Daniel GRIFFIN (son of William Griffin & Johanna O’Herron (Ahern)) b. Feb 1878, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA who married Magdelein Pauline (aka Lena or Lillian) BEYER b. 9 Feb 1883, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, m. 23 Nov 1904, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, d. 11 Mar 1912, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
vi.Catherine (Kate) GRIFFIN (daughter of William Griffin & Johanna O’Herron (Ahern)) b. 26 Jan 1886, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, d. 19 Aug 1965, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA who married Charles Andrew FRITZGES b. 10 Aug 1892, Pennsylvania, USA, m. 30 Jun 1920, Luzerne, PA, USA, d. 6 Jan 1971, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA.
4.Mary Griffin (DAUGHTER of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath) b. Sep 1854, Ballyguiltenane, Glin, Co Limerick.
No information on Mary Griffin.
Griffin George, Glenagragra, (son of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath)...George Griffin who was born July 9th,1856, inherited the home place. This George Griffin who was fluent in Irish died March 9th, 1938. On Feb 8th, 1879 at Knockanure church, George married Margaret (Peg) Stack, born circa 1838, daughter of Thomas Stack, a farmer from Moyvane, Co. Kerry and who was still alive. The witnesses for the wedding were Path Griffin and John T. Stack. George’s father, George was recorded as still living. Peg died on Nov 21st, 1909 at Glenagragra. I was told by some of the neighbours that Peg had the habit of making the following remark – ‘so much done says Peg Doyle after she marrying auld George Griffin’. George was 18 years older than Peg when they got married. Don’t know why Peg would have referred to herself as Peg Doyle.
George Griffin and Margaret (Peg) Stack had one son John (Jack) Griffin who was born on May 17th, 1880 and died on June 6th, 1960 at his daughter’s residence in Lisready, Loughill, Co. Limerick. John was known to all and sundry as ‘Jack George’ Griffin. Jack married the widow Mary Enright nee Dalton, Dromreask, Glin & Glasha, Athea, born on Feb 18th, 1873, married on Feb 16th, 1909 at Athea church, the witnesses being, Edward Stack, Moyvane & Mary Langan, Glasha. Mary Langan being my grandaunt. Mary Dalton’s first marriage was to Patrick Enright, Dromreask, Glin. Mary was a sister to James Dalton, Glasha. John Griffin & Mary Enright had a son and a daughter as follows –
i.Unnamed Male Griffin b. 17 Aug 1914, Glenagragara, Glin, Co Limerick, d. 17 Aug 1914, Glenagragara, Glin, Co Limerick.
ii.Margaret (Maggie George) Griffin, born on April 9th, 1912 at Glenagragra. On Feb 6th, 1940 at Glin church, Margaret (Maggie George) Griffin aged 27 years, daughter of John Griffin, married John (Jackie) Nolan born Dec 25th, 1899, Finnoe, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick, (aged 40 years on marriage cert) son of John Nolan, labourer, the witnesses being Tim (Tadhg) Shine, a blacksmith from Athea and Peggie Dalton, Glasha, Maggie’s 1st cousin. Peggie Dalton and my mother grew up together, both houses in Glasha being in the one yard.
The Journey of Jack Nolan: From America to Lisready
The Glenagragra Connection
Jack Nolan’s journey took him first to Glenagragra, a quiet place that became his temporary home through marriage. Though his stay there was brief, it marked the beginning of a significant transition in his life. His heart, however, was set on Lisready, Loughill, where he had invested in a promising future—a farm of his own.
Jack’s story began across the Atlantic, in the bustling land of opportunity. From 1926 to 1934, he toiled in the United States, a period marked by economic instability. The Great Depression had cast a shadow over the nation, making Jack’s financial achievements particularly impressive.
Saving money during the Great Depression was no small feat. Banks were failing, and economic uncertainty was rampant. Yet, Jack’s determination shone through. His ability to accumulate enough savings to purchase land back in Ireland demonstrates his resilience and foresight.
Building Dreams in Lisready
With his hard-earned savings, Jack purchased a farm in Lisready. However, his vision was still incomplete. The land awaited a dwelling, a home where he could lay roots and cultivate his dreams. Despite the challenges, Jack’s journey from America to Lisready reflects the enduring spirit of those who seek a better life through perseverance and hard work.
Jack Nolan and his wife Maggie were great friends with my grand-parents, Paddy & Babe Langan. In fact it was the said Jack Nolan that nominated my grandfather Paddy Langan to contest the 1942 Co Council election on behalf of the Labour party to which he was elected.
Jack Nolan and Maggie Griffin had the following family – Living Nolan, Living Nolan, Mary Agnes Nolan b. 26 Jan 1945, Glenagragara, Glin, Co Limerick, Ireland, d. 9 Jul 2014, Limerick City. Mary married Peter O’Neill b. 30 May 1940, Ardboe, Co. Tyrone married 17 Mar 1965, London, England, d. 12 Nov 2014, Ballyhahill, Co Limerick. The family had a half-sister, Hannah Griffin who died from tuberculosis at the County Home, Newcastle West, on Dec 28th, 1949 aged 20 years.
Maggie died March 24th 1990. Her husband Jack Nolan died July 1st 1986.
The Nolan’s were originally from the Moyvane area of Co. Kerry. They were known as the gay Nolan’s, gay as in jolly. Jack Nolan’s father was Johnny Nolan (son of Mike Nolan) who on July 7th, 1894, aged 30 years, at Loughill church, married Margaret Carter aged 26 years, born Oct 12th, 1867, daughter of Thomas Carter, Finnoe, Ballyhahill and Anne Martin, the witnesses being Don & Margaret Sarsfield.
This was Thomas Carter’s second marriage, the marriage taking place at Loughill church on March 20th, 1866, the witnesses being Cornelius Hanley and Annie —–ght, (looks as if it’s Enright) Thomas listed as a widower from Whiskeyhall. Anne Martin’s father was John Martin a farmer from Whiskeyhall. Thomas Carter died on Sept 26th, 1884 at Finnoe, aged 54 years, George Carter present at his death. Thomas’ father was Henry Carter and his mother was Anna Archer. Henry died at Finnoe in 1876 aged 100 years, his son Thomas present at his death.
Family of John Nolan & Margaret Carter as follows –
i.Thomas Nolan, ( son of John Nolan & Margaret Carter) born Feb 4th, 1895. Thomas emigrated to U.S. He married Alice O’Brien from Limerick city. They had one daughter, Mary Alice O’Brien, born 23 Dec 1929 New York – 21 Oct 2018 Dumont, Bergen County, New Jersey, USA). In 1959 Mary married John Joseph Hecker (11 Jul 1920 Oyster Bay New York – 14 Dec 2006). They had two sons.
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Following the death of his wife, Alice O’Brien, Thomas returned to Whiskeyhall, Limerick circa 1956, where he re-married to Kitty Kennelly, a widow from Barneigue, Carrickerry. Kitty was married to Dan Kennelly from Barneigue, who had died some years previously. Kitty’s maiden name was O’Sullivan from Whiskeyhall, a niece to Joe O’ Sullivan the famous ‘Bard of Clounlehard’
ii.Mary Nolan, born May 14th, 1896. Following the death of her parents, Mary emigrated to Mount St. Patrick, Ontario, Canada, sailing from Cobh on the 11 SEP 1926 and arriving in Quebec 17 SEP 1926. She was a housekeeper and helped take care of her half grand-uncle John (Jack) Carter (20 Oct 1861- 7 Dec 1935) when he was dying. Mary Nolan remained single in life and died sometime before 1986.
iii.Michael Nolan born June 3rd, 1897. Mike who was known as ‘The Pope’ Nolan. The fact that he acquired that title had nothing whatsoever to do with religion, the truth being, he was helping some child in pronouncing some word of similar sounding. The child had some difficulty in doing so and could only say ‘pope’ and so it stuck to the said Mike.
iv. Nolan Daniel.…Daniel Nolan ( son of John Nolan & Margaret Carter) born on Sept 1st, 1898. Daniel emigrated to New York and married Theresa McDermott from Cloonaquin, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim and had a family of 10 as follows –
Margaret Nolan (abt 1933) marries John Verga (no further information)
Daniel Patrick Nolan 25 Mar 1934 New York, was a teacher, dropped off his wife at the school, shot dead shortly after after in New York (No further information that is concrete.)
Theresa Mary Nolan 28 Dec 1935 – marries Vincent Tevnan (No further information that is concrete.)
Mary Alice Nolan (abt. 1938) married Cornelius Hodges (No further information that is concrete.)
John Nolan 1939 (No further Information) got married and lived in Maine, had a family.
Irene Cecelia Nolan (12 Nov 1940 New York – 12 Aug 1999 New York) married Patrick John McDonnell (24 Oct 1938- 4 Jul 2008) in 1961 in New York.
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Bernadette Nolan who married Robert James Rosenkranz (No further information), had a family.
Denis Nolan, the youngest.
Michael Nolan (No Further Information) married to a Spanic, Mexican descent, had a family.
Thomas Nolan (No Further Information) married, no family.
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Daniel Nolan’s death notice -Daily_News_Tue__Apr_28__1981_
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Teresa Nolan’s death notice – Daily_News_Wed__Nov_8__1978_
v.John (Jack) Nolan (son of John Nolan & Margaret Carter) born Dec 25th, 1899. Jack married Margaret ‘Maggie George’ Griffin, as above.
vi.Denis Nolan.…Nolan Denis...Denis Nolan ( son of John Nolan & Margaret Carter) born Sept, 8th, 1901. Denis, who remained single in life emigrated to the U.S. He returned to Co. Limerick circa 1954 where he bought a farm of land at Clounties, Shanagolden. His nephew Living Nolan inherited this farm.
vii.Anne Nolan born Feb, 5th, 1903. Anne (Anna) Nolan ( daughter of John Nolan & Margaret Carter) born Feb, 5th, 1903. On Nov 29th, 1924 at Rathkeale church, Anna married Tom Walsh (15 Apr 1904 – 14 Mar 1984) aged 20 years, a labourer from Knocknaboula, Ballyhahill, son of Michael Walsh, the witnesses being James Walsh & Nora Flynn. Tom and Anna lived at Clounties, Shanagolden and had the following family –
John Walsh, married Audrey Jefferies Burton, Staffordshire; England.
Tommy Walsh, married in England and died there.
Mary Walsh, (6 Sep 1928- 26 Apr 2005) – married Thomas Hunt Sr. (15 Jan 1926 – 11 Mar 1997). 
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.Margaret Walsh married Robert Hecker in New York City.
Micheal Walsh. Micheal was a postman and was immortalised in verse by my good friend Paddy Faley of Glenbawn. One of Micheal sons is married to a daughter of my former neighbour, Bill Flavin, Glenagragra. For the 1938 Schools Project, Michael Walsh wrote the following article which he received from his grand-uncle Thomas Carter.
Herbs
There are always some kinds of weeds to be seen on the land for all the year round, such as the Dockleaf, Buacálan, baisearlan, Dandelion, Crocus, Cranesbill, Marsmallow, Yarrow, Nettles, Sour Sally, Sweet leaves and Ivy.
Dockleaf is a very juicy weed and when people get a burn from a nettle they rub the juice of the Dockleaf to it and it is cured. Dandelion is a popular treatment for kidney and liver complaints. The Herb Crocus spreads in the ground and is supposed to be a great heart tonic. The cranesbill grows in poor bare ground and is used for the kidneys by boiling it in water for two hours. The water is then bottled and taken in doses daily.
There is another plant or herb which we generally call “sweet leaves”. Those are lovely to eat. There is another weed growing on the field which has a long staff and a white flower. If you dug under this weed you should find a very sweet nut called “pig nuts”. The animals generally eat all kinds of herbs. Caipeapbán is used for young chickens and turkeys by boiling it with meal or bran and letter it cool for a half an hour and then give it to them to eat.
Marshmallow is used for stiff joints, sprains or sinews(?). Nettles are very good for purifying the blood by boiling it in water for one hour and take a tea spoonful of it after meals. It is also used for young turkeys for food. These weeds grow in bunches and as there is a poisonous top to them.
COLLECTOR Michael Walsh Gender male Address Finnoo, Co. Limerick INFORMANT Tom Carter Gender male Age 62 Address Finnoo, Co. Limerick LANGUAGE English
Collected by https://www.duchas.ie/
School:Ballyhahill (B.), Glin(roll number 10685)
Location: Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick Teacher: Domhnall Ó Maoláin.
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Anna Nolan Walsh.
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Anna Nolan Walsh.
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Thomas Walsh.
viii.Margaret Nolan born April 21st, 1904. (daughter of John Nolan & Margaret Carter) On June 16th, 1925 at Ballyhahill church, Margaret married James O’Callaghan, aged 24 years from Tinakilla, Glin, son of John O’Callaghan, the witnesses being Timothy Hynes & Mary Nolan. They had a large family one of whom, Dan had a garage in Moyvane.
ix.Lizzie Nolan born July 8th, 1905. (died)
x.Joseph Nolan ( son of John Nolan & Margaret Carter) born April 22nd, 1907. Joseph emigrated to the U.S., married there to Madge Dunworth from Newcastle West and had a family.
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xi.Lizzie Nolan born October 28th, 1908, (second Lizzie to be born).
John Nolan died at Finnoe on April 1st, 1953., aged 89 years, his daughter Anna Walsh present at his death. Margaret Carter Nolan died on March 18th, 1960 at Finnoe, her grandson Michael Walsh present at her death.
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Nolan & Carter Family Finnoe, Ballyhahill.
Margaret Carter and John Nolan and family with Ann Martin Carter and Thomas Carter
Above photographs by kind permission of Sarah Mignogna McBride, Atlanta, Georgia.
John Griffin (son of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath)
John Griffin b. Mar 1853, Ballyguiltenane, Glin, Co Limerick, d. 21 Oct 1935, Invercargill, New Zealand. John emigrated to New Zealand circa 1876 and lived on the South Island where he married Mary Dooley b. 11 May 1867, Fearagha, Tuam, Co. Galway, m. 28 May 1889, Invercargill, d. 27 Oct 1945. John Griffin & Mary Dooley had the following six children –
i.John George (Jack) GRIFFIN b. 4 Nov 1890, Wreys Bush, Southland, d. 15 Apr 1956, Te Tua who married Lilla Rose Hamilton b. Abt 1886, m. 27 Oct 1915, d. 13 Mar 1950, Te Tua.
ii.George Griffin b. 16 Jul 1891, Invercargill, d. 14 Dec 1918, Tuatapere, Southland.
iii.Gerald Griffin b. 23 Aug 1893, Orepuki, d. 12 Jun 1974, Te Wae Wae, Southland who married Edna Louisa Bone b. 9 Nov 1897, Riverton, Southland, m. 25 Apr 1926, Orepuki, d. 12 Feb 1985, Tuatapere, Southland.
iv.Margaret Cecelia (Cis) Griffin b. 9 Oct 1895, Orepuki, d. 23 May 1966, Invercargill who married Joseph Henry (Harry) Lobb b. Abt 1884, m. 14 Apr 1915, d. 27 Apr 1939, Tuatapere, Southland.
v.Winifred Bridget (Winnie) Griffin b. 23 Jan 1898, Orepuki, d. 20 May 1971, New Plymouth who married John Stephen (Jack) Kissick b. 16 Dec 1890, Manaia, m. Jun 1923, d. 16 Apr 1960, New Plymouth.
vi.Mary Teresa (Monica) Griffin b. 26 Jul 1901, Te Tua, d. 19 Nov 1927, Tuatapere, Southland.
John Griffin, along with his brother Michael were extremely friendly there with George Lynch of Glasha (my great granduncle) who had emigrated there a few years earlier. John Nolan, Ballyhahill, great grand nephew of the said John has in his possession a letters confirming same and was kind enough to forward me a copy as per below.. These letters which are dated 1910 and 1913 were written by John Griffin and posted to his family in Glenagragra. John Griffin died in the year 1935 and is buried in New Zealand. Michael Griffin is also interred in his adopted country. In this letter to his kinfolk in Glenagragra John Griffin wrote the following –
Willow Farm,
Te Waewae,
February 26th 1910
‘My dear brother Patrick I have received your letter which gave me great pleasure to know you and brother George and sister Johanna is still living. Brother Michael is dead 14yrs next May. He was married to Mary Mullane, Denis Mullane’s daughter near Athea. They had one daughter, I have not heard from them this last ten years. She lives in the North island. Dear brother Pat my history would be long one and would take a long time to scrawl it down. I started farming in 1882. Brother Michael and myself took 500 acres of land but we sold out about twenty years since. Brother went to the North Island where he settled down in a farm and I remained in the south island. I took up 600 acres of first class land but I may state it was all bush and the railway is now through it. Te Waewae station is in my place and we have also built a Chapel in my place and also a Dairy Factory. I have six children, three boys and three girls. My oldest John is 20 past, George is 18 past, Gerald is 16 past, Margaret 14 past, Winnie 12 past and Mary 9. John is 6 feet three inches high. My wife’s name is Mary Dooley. She hailed from the County Galway. I meet George Lynch, Michael Connors and Mrs John Connors, that is Kate Connell, they are all well and very well off. They are making about £1,500 a year. Cousin Pat Culhane, wife and family are all well and doing well. I had a letter from cousin Michael Griffin the same time as yours. I never meet any persons newly out from home. The latest I met was Father Hunt from Athea he held a Mission in our Chapel. He was the best missioner I ever heard. I hope you will let me know how things are. How is sister Johanna situated I have not heard much for years. New Zealand is a good country for any study person. Farmers have to pay men 25 to 30 shillings a week. I found saw mills and flax mills as high as 12 shillings per day and girls get from 12 to 25 shillings per week and get half day off every Wednesday. This is nice climate we don’t get much frost or snow in this part we are living on the banks of the Pacific Ocean. I did not know brother William was dead. Dear brother I must conclude by wishing you and brother George and sister Johanna and all my friends a long and happy life. I would like a trip home but the journey is so long. Good Bye dear brother and sister.
Address J Griffin, Farmer,
Te Waewae,
Southisland, N.Z.
Griffin John, Glenagragra & New Zealand. Another letter home to his kin in Glenagragra , dated September 8th, 1913. See link for actual letter.
Letter transcribed as follows –
Te Wae Wae,
September 8th, 1913.
Dear brother Pat, just a few lines to let you know kind and welcome letter & also the biscuits which each & and everyone of us was so pleased to receive. I can tell you they are hiley regarded with wife & family. I am sure it was very thoughtful to send such nice keepsakes. Dear Pat & George I was pleased to hear that ye are all well when you wrote & I am so pleased to say that my self & wife & family are all well as recent thanks be to God. I was very bad with Rheumatism last Christmas. Myself & my wife went for a month to Dunedin, 200 miles for a change & got home all right, this last twelve months was the wettest Season I ever saw in New Zealand for 37 years I have been in it. I plant about 12 acres of potatoes year. I sold about 160 tons, it cost me 200 for sacks. I have potato Digging Machine if I could get hands to pick it would dig 3 acres a day. Men is very scarce ion New Zealand, it is the best country in the World for a young man or young woman. Young girls will get 15/ to 25/ per week and young men 30/ per week in a farm & found or 10/ to 12/ per day and over. I see Home Rule will be soon granted.
I have not seen George Lynch since I heard from you, I will go to see him soon. I know his place. I was at his place 30 years ago. I met him at the Invercargill Cattle show, he lives 70 miles from me. Cousin Pat Culhane & wife are doing well. His oldest daughter is in the convent, he is farming. He has 200 acres of good land, he is dewing all wright. Tell cousin Cate Carroll, Jim Carroll never came to New Zealand. I heard he was in Victoria some years since I heard. I would like to hear all particulars about home and Limerick from you and tell me and tell me about all the friends as there is not many here in New Zealand from the old place at Home. I am all by myself but amongst my neighbours, there is a fair sprinkle of Irish, to give you an idea our Parish Priest has got five Chapels in his parish which is over 20 square miles. One of the Chapels is in my grounds. There is a mission starting in the parish, he will be staying with me next week. I must say Good by till I hear from you again. I hope these few lines will find all in as good health as it leaves us all in at the present, thanks be to God for his kind mercies to us all. Thanking you again for the nice presents, they are ? treasured. I will say good by for wife & family and myself with fondest love, J Griffin. See also.
The George Lynch mentioned in the letters was my great granduncle from Glasha who had emigrated to New Zealand, never to return. In relation to Fr. C.J. Hunt. He was the son of John & Mary Hunt. He was born in the village of Athea where Dick White’s pub now stands. Dick White bought the pub when it came up for public auction in 1947. While he was superior in Perth in Western Australia Fr. Hunt built the beautiful Monastery of Perth. Later. as Rector at Ballarat, he built another church, said to be one of the finest monastic churches in Victoria. He returned to Ireland in 1919 and died in 1935. Fr. Hunt is buried in the grounds of the Redemptorist Church in Limerick city. He had a sister Hannie Hunt whose death notice appeared as follows – 31/05/1894 death notice, Hannie, aged 22 years, daughter of John & Mary Hunt Athea, , sister of Rev.C.J. Hunt B.A. CSSR.
Michael Griffin (son of George Griffin & Johanna McGrath)
Michael Griffin b. Sep 1854, Ballyguiltenane, Glin, Co Limerick, d. 9 Apr 1895, Mangamingi, New Zealand. Michael,who along with his brother John emigrated to New Zealand circa 1876 where he married Mary Mullane b. Feb 1862, Dirreen, Athea, Co. Limerick, m. 30 Apr 1894, Christchurch, d. 21 Jan 1907, Rawhitiroa, Eltham, Taranaki. Mary was the daughter of Denis Mullane & Johanna Scanlon. Michael & Mary had one daughter Margaret (Cecily) Griffin who was born 4 Mar 1895, Christchurch, d. 19 Nov 1981, Wanganui, New Zealand. Margaret married Francis Eugene (Frank) Quin b. 31 May 1896, Eltham, m. 11 Oct 1922, New Plymouth, d. 9 Sep 1989, Wanganui, New Zealand. Michael died clearing bush (caught pneumonia) in April 1895. The sad thing is that he never set eyes on his young daughter as he was away in the North Island clearing bush with his nephews, the O’Shea boys while Mary was giving birth at Christchurch in the South Island, where she was staying with her sister, Margaret O’Shea. Margaret Cecily Griffin’s grandson Brian Moriarty has been in contact with me these past few years and whom I’m indebted to for the information on the Griffin diaspora in New Zealand.
Michael Griffin, Glenagragra, Glin & New Zealand.
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