Door County, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay, Sawyer, and Nasewaupee
Here are a couple links to Door County, that I felt were good.
http://www.wisconline.com/counties/door/
http://www.doorcountyvacations.com/
My Kenny family showed up here in the late 1860's. They were immigrants from Motabower, County Wexford, Ireland. The family members that settled in Nasewaupee, were Edward, James, and Anne Kenny. Their siblings, Bartholomew, Mary and Richard also settled here for a short time, around 1870-1873, but moved on. These Kennys parents were Thomas and Ellen (Purcell) Kenny. The family moved from Motabower, to Smith Falls, located in eastern Ontario. These children mentioned above, all lived here together around 1870. Bartholomew left after the Great Fire of 1871. His where-a-bouts, unknown, to this date. Mary, went back to Smith Falls, and married Francis Hourigan and Richard, who was already married to Eliza Lovely, also moved shortly after the Great Fire. Richard and Eliza, moved to Carroll County, Iowa and stayed there on his farm till about 1893, where he retired in Omaha, Nebraska.
The children that stayed in Door County, Edwards, James and Anne lived out their lives there. James with his wife Mary lived in Nasewaupee, and retired in Sawyer, Edward and his wife, Mary Ann, lived and retired on his farm in Nasewaupee, and Anne and her husband, Phillip Gillick, lived and retired in Nasewaupee. The Gillicks lived across the road from Edward, on a farm.
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Below are my notes in my FTM files on the families that lived in Door County.
Edward and Mary Ann (Mulvihill) Kenny
Birth date was calculated per his obit, stating that Edward died in June 15, 1929. 81yrs 4mo 20 days.
According to the Index to Declaration of Intention for Door County, Wisconsin, his Date of "Intent" was filed on May 9, 1868. He arrived to the US at the Port Huron, WI, on April 1868. He applied for his US citizenship in Sturgeon Bay, on March 1, 1877. On this certificate, which I have, it shows in his hand in two different areas, the
name spelled,
KENNEY.
On his marriage certificate, it specifically stated place of birth, County Wexford, Ireland. The same wording was used on his brother James' marriage certificate.
Place of residence at time of his marriage was Nasewaupee, WI.
At time of his marriage, Edward was teaching and Farming.
On 1900 census it shows that he came to the US in 1868. The 1910 & 1920 census said he came to US in 1852. I think it was 1868. He would have been 4 years old in 1852. 1905 population schedule and and 1920 census showed that his dwelling was a farm, owned, but with mortgage.
The Door Co. Who's Who of 1880 shows him born in Ireland in 1849, and with one child.
Edward ran in 1880 for Clerk of the Circuit Court and lost to H.C. Graham. The book gives the vote count 1470 - 700. Below is more on Edwards political ventures.
In an article written by Hjalmar R. Holland, in the book, "History of Door County, Wisconsin, the County Beautiful", Volume ll, there was a section on a man named M. J. Soukup. It said;
"MJ Soukup, of Nasewaupee township, has not only developed one of the finest farms in the county but has also been a prime mover in many projects that have proved a great value to his locality. A native of Bohemia, was born in 1851 and moved to Door County Wisconsin in 1872. He worked at the Lumber mills for three years when he purchased eighty acres of land on section 16, from Ed Kenny for $425.00. he cleared the tract of timber and began its cultivating and proved so successful as a farmer that he was able to purchase and additional one hundred acres some time later."
Also, in the same book, there was a section on Edwards son, Joseph Kenny, and below is an extraction of that story. See Joseph Kennys notes for the whole story;
" He (Joseph) was born on February 28, 1889, a son of Edward and Mary Anne (Mulville) Kenny (note: this should be Mulvihill). The father was born in January 24th, 1848, in Ireland but when only two years old was brought by his parents to the United States. (note: this should be Canada) In 1868 he came to Door County, Wisconsin and located upon a farm of 80 acres, to which he since added 70 acres. In 1879 he was married to Miss Mullville, ( note that this should be Mulvihill) who passed away April 18th, 1907, and was buried in the Forestville cemetery. She was a member of the Catholic church, of which Mr. Kenny is also a communicant. He is a Democrat in politics and has served as chairman of the township committee of that party and has also held political office. For 30 years, he served either as Chairman or Clerk, for two years he was the county supervisor of assessments and for several terms he was the clerk of school district No. 2. Fraternally he was connected with the Catholic Knights. To him and his wife were born the following children: Ellen, whose birth occurred July 20, 1881, and who is at home,; John, who was born December 9, 1882, and is still at home; Birdie, who was born October 21, 1884, and is at home; Mary, who was born October 17, 1886, and is now the wife of Ed M. Moeller; Thomas, who died in infancy; Genevieve, who was born January 19, 1893, and is teaching in Idaho; Angelina, who was born in 1897, and is now the wife of L. C. Davis, of Sturgeon Bay."
Many documents were given to Joe Kenny by Christine Surfus on this person.
Darrel Schaefer told me that he would play the fiddle and the whole family would dance. Also, Ed's family was very poor and Ed would go up to the government CC camps in North Wisconsin to log in the winter.
Mary Anne Mulvihill's notes'
There seems to be a conflict where she was born. The census states her her birth in Pennsylvania, while the below obit states Manitowoc Co.
Her obit was in the Door County Democrat, April 25th 1896. It stated:
"Death of Mrs. Edward Kenny (spelled this way)
Mrs. Edward Kenny died at her home, in the town of Nasewaupee, from childbirth, on Saturday, April 10th 1896, just one week from the beginning of her illness. Her friends attendant upon her had no apprehension of danger, until the evening before her death, when her condition suddenly changed for the worse, and although the attendant physician was immediately called, and did everything possible he could do to help her-such was not to be.
Her disposition was of a kind and cheerful nature, her smiling face, was a true index of her inner life. Liberal, warm hearted, kind and generous; she was a model mother, and a genial companion.
Not for years, has death cause such profound and general sorrow in our parish. Her children have lost a kind and tender-hearted and affectionate mother, her husband a loyal and devoted wife, the neighbors a sympathetic and helping friend in time of trouble-and withdrawal; such is the will of God.
Deceased was born in Manitowoc Co., and when a small child removed with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. John Mulvihill, to the old homestead in the town of Nasewaupee. At 22 years of age, she married Edward Kenny, on the 8th day of Sept., 1879, in the city of Sturgeon Bay, Rev. Englebert Blume officiating. She was 38 years of age at the time of her death. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved husband and family.
The funeral took place on the 20th last, and considering the state of the weather, was one of the largest ever held here. The pastor of the catholic church of Ahnapee performed the last sad rights, with a High Mass-ably assisted by the Forestville catholic choir. may her soul rest in peace."
Algoma Record Herald, April 23, 1896
"Sturgeon Bay and Vicinity"
The funeral of Mrs. Kinney, of Forestville, took place Monday. Mrs. Kinney leaves a husband, who is chairman of the town board, and nine children.
Many documents were given to me by Christine Surfus on this person.
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James and Mary (Lang / Curry) Kenny
James was a farmer in Nasewaupee, Door Co. WI.
According to the Index to Declaration of Intention for Door County, Wisconsin, his Date of "Intent" was filed on March 30, 1868. He entered the US at the port of detroit, on April, 1866 and applied for his citizenship in Sturgeon Bay, WI, on Feb. 25, 1976. Name was Spelled KENNEY on both forms that I have. It is possible that it wasnt in his hand, though.
On his marriage certificate, it specifically stated place of birth, County Wexford, Ireland. The same wording was used on his brother Edward's marriage certificate.
He had 8 children by 1990 with 5 living.
It showed on 1900 census that he came to US in 1858. The rest of family came in 1868. I think that is when he came too. This could be an error.
1910 he owned a farm that still had a mortgage.
He lived to 80 years, 5 month, 18 days.
Also found in my records in Smith Falls, Ont, was the following, though probably not the same James: This is a bit of piece work, assuming THE MARRIAGE OF JAMES AND ROSE FREIL. The dates marriage dates match with the birth date of James, also all being from the same parish.
The Door Co. Who's Who showed he was born in Ireland in 1845. I don't believe this is true.
In the Door County Advocate, June 15th, 1923, it showed:
JAMES KINNEY DEAD
James Kinney, who has been a resident of this county and this city for over 50 years, died in his home in Sawyer on Monday, June 11. Mr. Kinney was born in Ireland, December 24th, 1842 and was 80 years at age of death. He was one of the substantial farmers of the town of Nasewapee until about 10 years ago when he moved to Sawyer to reside. His wife passed away about 3 years ago. Surviving are Edward Kinney, a brother and Mrs. Phillip Gillick, a sister, both of Nasewapee, and several step-children. The funeral services were held at Corpus Christi church yesterday morning.
Many documents were given to Joe Kenny by Christine Surfus on this person.
There was a marriage of a William H. Kenny of Smith falls, to Mary May Willis on June . 30th, 1909 that was recorded in the index of Bathurst/Perth Courier on July 16th, 1909. Could it be a son of James?
Mary Lang / Curry's notes
She had at least 8 children, 5 living in the 1900 Census and at least 6 were with Martin Curry, her first husband. She is listed in Nasewaupee Twp, on the same page with Kenneys, and Gillicks in the 1870 and 1880 census records.
According to 1900 census, she came to US in 1866.
She had 8 children by 1990 with 5 living.
Obituary state her last name as Long. Also, It shows she married patrick Curry, but the census shows his name as Martin Curry.
From the door county advocate on February 20th 1920, the Sawyer News read:
Death of Mrs. Kenney. Passes Away Friday, Having Been a Resident of County Nearly Half Century. Mrs. James Kenney, who came to this county nearly a half-century ago, was buried here Monday. She died last Friday morning having been ill but one week. Her death was caused by pneumonia. Rev. Pfeiffer officiated at the burial. Interment was made in the Sturgeon Bay Catholic cemetery. Mrs. Kenney's maiden name was Mary Long and she was born in Canada in 1842. She married Patrick Curry and in the sixties they came to this county, settling on a farm near Maplewood. Several years after Mr. Curry's death she married James Kenney and they lived on the farm near Maplewood until about four years ago when they moved to Sawyer. Besides her husband she leaves five children: James Curry of this city, John of Virginia, Minn., Pat of Sevastopol, Mrs. Hugh Goff of Nasewaupee, and Kate, who is at home.
Anna (Kenny) and Phillip Gillick
Sponsers at bapt were ? Balfe and Mary Balfe
On her grave, her birth date was Mar. 6, 1848 but this must be wrong since her brother edward was born in Jan. of 1848
Phillip and Anna had 17 children. Place of residence at death was Sawyer, Sturgeon Bay, WI.
On the 1870 census, it showed an Anna Kenny as a domestic Servant on page 8, age 20. This matches our Anna, but I thought Anna was married to Phillip Gillick before this date according to the obit of Anna
Kennys husband, which stated he was married in 1869. Also on the 1900 census, it shows her married for 31 years.
The 1990 census also asked how many children. Listed were 17. It asked how many living in 1990, it stated 11, 10 in 1905.
she came to the US in 1868 according to the 1900 census.
She was 68 when she died.
Her obit in the Door County News, Feb 24th 1915 in the "Timely Topics of Sawyer" says:
"Mrs. Phillip Gillick passed away at 9:00 Sunday at her home in the town of Nasewaupee after a suffering illness of nearly a years duration. Death being attributed to a general physical breakdown.
Deceased was born March 5th, 1850 in County Wexford, Ireland. When only a year old she came to Canada. After spending the greater part of her girlhood in Canada, she moved to this county in the year 1868 and settled in the town of Nasewaupee, which place has been her home ever since. Her maiden name was Anna Kenney and in the year 1870 she was united in marriage to Phillip Gillick, the marriage taken place at Robinsonville, Brown County. To this union there was born 17 children, ten whom survived whom together with their father are called upon to mourn the loss of their dearly beloved mother.
The children are James, Edward, Mrs. U.S. Ackerman, Agnes, Anna, Margaret, Richard and Joseph.
She also leaves behind three brothers and one sister to morn her sad death: James Kenney of Sawyer, Edward of Nasewaupee: Richard of Omaha and Mrs. Frank Hourigan of Smith Falls, Ontario. Her sister on account of illness cannot be present at the funeral obsequies. All the children are expected to be at the funeral.
She was a member of the Christian Mothers of the St. Mary's church at Maple wood and an active church worker. She was a kind and gentle mother, holding the trust and confidence of all who knew her. By her departure from this earth she not only leaves her relatives to mourn but the entire community which she lived.
The funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday morning from the St. Mary's church at Maplewood. her six sons will be pallbearers."
Many documents were given to Joe Kenny by Christine Surfus on this person.
Phillip Gillick's notes
Phillip and Anna had 17 children. He was a farmer.
Place of residence at death Sawyer, Sturgeon Bay, WI, Rt.3
According to the 1900 census, he came to US in 1864.
On the 1905 population schedule it showed his dwelling is a farm, owned, but with mortgage.
The Door Co. Who's Who showed he was born in Ireland, 1835 and married in 1870.
The obituary in the Door Co. Advocate showed his birth year as 1829.
The Door County court house death certificate shows death was on Oct 5th, 1921. This must be incorrect, for two reasons. One, the headstone at cemetery shows the 8th of Oct., Two, the article below, dated on the 13th of October, states "last saturday evening", which the 5th of Oct. would be more than 8 days past.
His obit was in the Door Co. Advocate on Oct. 13th, 1921
The heading said, "Phillip Gillick, oldest Citizen of the city called Tuesday. Will be buried Saturday.
In county fifty-six years.
In the death of Phillip Gillick on Saturday evening, the town of Nasewaupee lost one of its oldest resident, both in point or age and in residence.
At the time of his death, Mr. Gillick had reached the advanced age of 92 years, having been born in Ireland on October 15, 1829. At the age of 8 years, he came with his parents to Canada. It was a long about 1865 when he came to this county and located in the town of Nasewaupee. Here he was married in 1869 and although 40 years old when he took a wife partner, there were 17 children born to this union of whom 10 survived. The mother passed away about 7 years ago.
The surviving children were James, of this city; Thomas, Kenosha; Mrs. Edward Ackermann, this city; Edward, Ipswich, South Dakota; Phillip Jr., at home; Mrs. Edward Pabst, Kenosha; Richard, Bowman, North Dakota; Mrs. Leo Graf, Kanosha; Joseph, Nasewaupee; Mrs. Frank Graf, Nasewaupee.
Mr. Gillick made his home with his youngest daughter, Mrs. Frank Graf on the old homestead.
Up to a year or so ago he was in the best health and exceptionally spry for one of his age, being active in walking with a gait that bellied his ears.
During the past year he began to fail and about the middle of August was obliged to take to his bed, from which he never arose.
Mr. Gillick was a very progressive citizen and well and favorably known in the southern part of the township. He came here when the county was a wilderness and helped to make it what it is today. The funeral was held on Wednesday morning at 9:30 at St. Mary's Church, Maplewood, Rev. Max Oswald officiating at the mass. There were a large number of neighbors, former friends and relatives in attendance.
Mesdames Edward Pabst and Leo Graf came here from Kenosha to attend the obsequies."
Bob Pabst quotes, " My mother Agnes (Gillick) Pabst kept a very good compendium of the family, and I have pictures of the farm in
Nasewaupee Township and have visited the Gillick farm in Door County. According to my mother, Phillip Gillick built the farm house on that land.
My records, (Bob Pabst speaking) show that there were only 16 offspring, not 17, although this has been a bone of contention in the family for years. All of those offspring are now dead, my aunts and uncles, but I have wonderful memories of nearly all of them and have some fabulous stories about their lives."