I don't know if you recall me, but several months ago we had a discussion concerning my ancestor, Matthew Dwen, who came from Athy in County Kildare. I have some new information which I hope will help. One thing I don't have is a birth year. I have several documents, including court records of his naturalization and church (Catholic) records of his marriage, but nothing lists an age. He was married in 1824 so a birth year of 1800 plus or minus is reasonable. He was naturalized in 1828 and the court record merely states that he immigrated as a minor.
The big breakthrough is a possible sibling, Patrick Joseph Dwen. He was a Catholic priest and there's quite a lot known about him. He was born "at Shrowlon, Parish Athy, County Kildare, Ireland, in 1795." Patrick's naturalization court records suggest a 1797 birth year. There are several points of correlation between Patrick and Matthew but, of course, no direct evidence that they were brothers. Patrick had a sister named Anastasia. Also, I've found a reference to a Peter Dwen who may have been Matthew's brother (they appear to have been in business together). "Dwen" seems pretty well established as the correct surname although "Duane--pronounced Dwen" is still a possiblity. All other variations are clerical errors. This has been an issue in the past.
Is it possible, given the above, to find records of Patrick's birth? Are there siblings, particularly a Matthew?
Harry Connors