RootsChat.Com
Ireland (Historical Counties) => Ireland => Wexford => Topic started by: GILLIAN52 on Monday 29 August 11 19:37 BST (UK)
-
I am looking for any information on the Dempsey sisters who ran the Ferryman pub in 1911 Ellen Dempsey, Catherine Dempsey and Bridget Dempsey I believe they were the sisters of a Peter Dempsey a Tailor. As I live in England I would really appreciate any help please.
Regards Gill
-
When were they each born and where?
-
Census returns for reference :
Dempsey household, 1901 (http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Wexford/Wexford_Urban/Monck_Street/1806331/)
Dempsey household, 1911 (http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Wexford/Wexford_No__3_Urban/Monck_Street/698088/)
In 1901 Ellen gives her place of birth as 'Wexford', and the others as 'Co. Wexford'. In 1911 Mary gives her places of birth as 'Aulart' - (possibly Oulart ?), Bridget as 'Co. Wexford' and Kate as 'Blackwater'
All three of the Dempsey sisters are single and born before the start of civil records.
see : Introduction to Irish Records (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,442233.0.html)
Shane
-
Thank you Carole and Shane, I knew it wasnt going to be easy but now I have them in 1901 and 1911
Gill
-
Hi Gillian,
I have just come across your message re the Dempsey sisters. The sisters were Aunts to my grandmother. I'm just in the middle of doing my family tree and havent gone too far into my grandmothers side of the family yet. However, my grandmother (Anastacia nee Martin) her mother was Elizabeth Dempsey who I believe was the only married sister of the Ferryman sisters? Would love to know your connection as I know very little from the Dempsey side.
Regards
Liz
-
Gillian and Liz,
Would like to connect regarding the Dempsey sisters of Monck St, my grandmother's aunts.
Catherine
-
There's probably been developments since this subject was first raised but the following may clarify some of the earlier comments.
In the 1901 Census Ellen Dempsey (the elder Sister) was stated to be the 'Head' of the family & she died in 1906 age 64. The Informant was named as Eliza Martin "Sister" of Ram St.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1906/05552/4557989.pdf
The 1911 Census for Eliza her indicates she had been married 26 years to James Martin and her 1885 Civil Marriage Register details state she was resident in Monck Street at that time.
The marriage record also confirms that the Father of the Dempsey Sisters was a Peter Dempsey (Occupation: Miller)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1885/10870/5970018.pdf
-
One further observation. In the 1911 Census there's a Boarder named Margaret Managan age 74 from Blackwater. Her surname was in fact Mangan. She died in 1924 and was still residing in Monck Street at that time.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1924/05028/4374889.pdf
-
Further to the above, Peter Dempsey (Father) died in 1895 age 87 in Monck Street, one of his daughters Kate (Catherine) Dempsey being present at death.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1895/05938/4687023.pdf
-
On a roll here!
Bridget Dempsey died in 1932 in Monck Street. Her Nephew John Dempsey was 'present at death'. He was named in the 1901 & 1911 Census as living with the Sisters so was clearly raised by them. (He was also the informant on the death of Margaret Mangan in 1924 mentioned earlier)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1932/04878/4320271.pdf
As both the father Peter Dempsey (in 1895) & the elder Sister Ellen Dempsey (in 1906) died in Wexford Town I checked the Crosstown burial register but neither are there. Next stop was to check the headstone inscriptions in Blackwater cemetery and the following exists:
Erected by Bridget Dempsey Wexford in loving memory of her Father & Mother, Brothers & Sisters. Bridget Dempsey died April 1932.
Thomas Dempsey died 7th July 1921 age 80, His Wife Elizabeth died 15th September 1938 age 78.
Their son Peter died 9th March 1970 aged 88 & James died 7th October 1981 age 86.
Not sure who's actually buried in this grave but it did indicate that the Sister's had an elder Brother named Thomas (Born c1841) The Civil birth records for his sons confirmed their Mother's surname was 'Downey' and from there The Civil marriage Register in 1889 confirmed that Thomas's Father was also Peter Dempsey (Miller).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1889/10728/5911442.pdf
Per the 1901 & 1911 Census Thomas Dempsey & his family lived in the Townland of Ballyconnigar Lower (just outside Blackwater Village) and in the next cottage along from where my Grandmother was raised from 1906. Spooky!!
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Wexford/Castle_Talbot/Ballyconnigar__Lower/682583/
-
The 'Nephew' John Dempsey (born 1895 in Ram Street which is next to Monck Street) was the son of Peter Dempsey.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1895/02213/1835695.pdf
John's Mother, Mary Dempsey (nee Doyle), had died in 1896 age 37.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1896/05897/4673082.pdf
Peter & Mary had married in 1881.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1881/11021/8030052.pdf
Peter Dempsey then re-married in 1899 to Mary Mccreary.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1899/10401/5787526.pdf
However, Just prior to the 1901 Census Peter's 2nd Wife also died, on 26th March 1901, hence he was described as a 'Widower' in the census. (Mary was buried in Crosstown Cemetery - No: 312 in the Burial Register)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1901/05725/4615731.pdf
This probably explains why Peter's youngest Son John Dempsey was in the care of his 3 Aunties.