john kelly (galway,ireland to new york 1922)

[ellie_k]

Hi all!!
I'm looking for information on my granduncle John Kelly who left Tuam, Galway, Ireland in 1922 )aged 20/25) and emigrated to Brooklyn, New York. I believe he may have work part time for the NY fire department. At one stage he was owner/manager of a pub called The Sheebeen at 22 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. This pub is no longer there. He died in the late 1960's.
He had 3 daughters, one called Margaret Mary (or Mary Margaret) who I believe may have been a lawyer. Another daughter married a Schneider gentleman I think, and may have moved to Queens/Long Island.
If anyone has any information, no matter how small, I would be so grateful!!
Thank you,
Ellie

[Lisa in California]

Ellie, welcome to RootsChat.

As you can imagine, John Kelly was a fairly common name.  I looked through the 1930 census, in Brooklyn, for a John Kelly, fire department, and didn't see your John.  Of course, he could have worked for the fire department during a different time period.  I also didn't see any mention of a pub.  He also could have lived in a different part of New York during that time.

Have you found his immigration record?  I'm guessing no, since you aren't too sure about his date of birth.  If we can find his immigration, we may get more clues about him.

Would you know John's parents names, please?  It might help locate his immigration record.  If we do find him on a 1930 census, we will send you a private message about any children who might be listed.  (We would want to keep their information private.)

[ellie_k]

Hi Lisa!
I've got more info on John. His birth year is 1896. He married a lady named Nora (nee Burke) who was also from Ireland. His parents names were Michael and Margaret Kelly (nee Higgins). I also understand that he had twin daughters. Thanks for all your help!!! Ellie.

[Lisa in California]

Hi Ellie:

There isn't any change this could be your John, is there? 
John Kelly, born c1895, Ireland, immigrated with wife Nora on 11 December 1922 (arrived).  He birthplace was Ballindine.  Her father was Mr. Patrick Bourbre?, The Mountain, Ballindine, Ireland.

I will ignore this record if there's no chance it could be them.  There is additional information, including the fact that they were destined for New York to their sister-in-law, Sarah Woods.

PS  Are you positive he immigrated in 1922?

[ellie_k]

Yes Lisa she was from Ballindine, Irishtown, Galway!!! Burke our Bourke was her maiden name!! wow cant believe you found that info! Thats fantastic!! where can those records be found??

[Lisa in California]

Found his immigration, posting in a minute.
-----------
Just saw your reply.  Hmmm, let me post the latest information.

John Kelly, arrived 11 September 1922, born c1897.  Travelled from Liverpool England to Boston, Massachusetts on board the Bolivian.  John was single.  He was a Seaman(?).  Last permanent residence: Tuam, Ireland.  Mother: Margaret Kelly, Tuam, Co Galway Ire.  Final destination: Mass Boston.

He was previously in the U.S. "only as a seaman".

Joining relative or friend: 5 Causway St Boston Mass.  States he is staying permanently.

5'6", med complexion, brown hair, blue eyes.  Born Tuam, Ireland.

[ellie_k]

Cant wait to see it!!! Thank you so much Lisa for all your help!

[Lisa in California]

See above post for immigration record, please.

In the middle of the first page of the record, is: "Admitted at San Francisco Calif Feb 14 1923
Head tax 8(00?) Received at Boston Mass 14 1923 __ Money Order(?) __392265"

John is the only name on both pages of the immigration record.

Paperclipped to the bottom of the second page is
landed Boston
date of landing Jan 15 1922
Name of S.S Bolivia n.  The date of examination was Feb 15 or 18, 1923.
Changing the remarks a bit, as I'm not sure we can copy wording exactly.  Signed on the vessel in England; it was a freight steamer.  in Liverpool England on May 28 1922.  States now employed on coastwise S.S. Orient.

[ellie_k]

so he went to Boston and not New York like we've always thought! 
Can I ask where you got this info Lisa?