In 1812, Richard McCunney was born in Ballybofey, County Donegal, Ireland.

Six years later, in 1818, Bridget Kearney was also born in Ireland; possibly in Queen's County, now known as County Leix/Laois. Bridget arrived in New York City on May 23, 1828 with her three sisters, Jane, Frances, and Ann, her brother Anthony and her mother, Frances Gale Kearney. They traveled aboard the Ship Dublin Packet from Dublin, Ireland.

According to family lore, Richard would come to Philadelphia in 1832 at the request of the then Reverend John Hughes of St. John the Evangelist Church in Philadelphia to teach at his new Catholic School.   Reverend Hughes would become Archbisop John Hughes of New York City. Bridget and Richard were married on September 12, 1835 at Saint John the Evangelist in Philadelphia by Reverend John Hughes.  The witnesses were John and Joanna Kearney and Catherine Cronly.

This is where our voyage begins......

Richard and Bridget had eight children:  (click on names to learn more)

1. Michael McCunney born August 20, 1836, baptized September 4, 1836 by Reverend John Hughes.  The sponsors were Anthony Kearney and Anna Kearney.
2. Richard Ignatius McCunney born July 31, 1840, baptized August 4, 1840 by Reverend Edward J. Sourin (Sourin Hall at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia is named after him.)  Sponsors were Jacobus O'Connor and Maria McCunney
3. Maria Anna (Nan) McCunney born June 18, 1842, baptized June 26, 1842 by Reverend Francis Xavier Gartland (Later became the first Bishop of Savannah, Georgia)  Sponsors were John Doughterty and Ellena Gallagher.
4. Frances McCunney born July 12, 1844 baptized July 21, 1844 by Reverend Francis Patrick Kenrick, (Later became the Archbishop of Baltimore)  Sponsors were Anthony Kearney and Joanna Kearney.
5. John Hughes McCunney born June 27, 1847 baptized July 5, 1847 by Reverend Edward J. Sourin.  Sponsors were Reverend John Walsh and Mary McCunney.
6. Robert McCunney born about 1849
7. Margaret J. McCunney born in May 1854
8. Sarah Alexandra (Sallie) McCunney born September 19, 1856

 

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