Catherine (Shiel) Claffey (abt. 1835 - 1906)

Born about 1835 in County Westmeath, Ireland

Wife of Edward Claffey — married 25 Apr 1855 in Multifarnham, County Westmeath, Ireland

Died 10 Sep 1906 at about age 71 in Ravensthorpe, Western Australia, Australia

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Biography

Catherine was born in Ireland daughter of Michael and Catherine. She married Edward Claffey in Multyfarnham, Westmeath, Ireland. ^[1]

Catherine and her children (without her husband Edward) migrated to Queensland, Australia as assisted Immigrants aboard the ship "Naval Brigade" arriving at Townsville, Queensland on June 7, 1875. (under "Cloffey")

Anne born 1861

Bridget born 1856

John born 1859

Kate born 1839

Kate born 1863

Mary born 1867

Michael born 1857

Patrick born 1865

She spent several years in the Townsville and Charters Towers districts of Queensland. Between 1888 and 1890 she lived with her son in Brisbane.

Summary of Dunwich Benevolent Asylum Admission: ^[2]

Admission date August 23, 1890

Bad eyes and hip affected

No money No Property

Discharged September 17, 1901

Readmitted October 28, 1902

Discharged July 20, 1904

Notes From Register: Since ascertained following addresses

daughter Mrs Henry Scarlettt, Collie West Aust

Catherine died on September 18, 1906 at Ravensthorpe, Western Australia. ^[3]

Research Notes

There may be a mix up at FamilySearch regarding her husband Edward Claffey, that Edward has a son Patrick who died in the United States. However thier son Patrick died in New South Wales, Australia in 1936.

The birth date of the Edward of Family Search, 1846 and a marriage 1855 would have made Edward 9 at that time. The Roots.ie marriage record has no mention of parents the only clue is the witnesses: Christopher Glynn and Catherine McLaoughlan and the district of Multyfarnham in county Westmeath.

Sources

1. ↑ Irish Family History Foundation, from RootsIreland.ie) [ireland.ir view record (subscription site)]

   Date of Marriage: 25-Apr-1855, parish / District: MULTYFARNHAM County: Co. Westmeath, Husband Edward Claffey, Wife Catherine Sheil, Roman Catholic, Age not recorded, Parents, not recorded. Witnesses Christopher Glynn, Catherine McLoughlin.

2. ↑ Queensland, Australia; Queensland State Archives, Item ID ITM9520 1859-1906 https://harrygentle.griffith.edu.au/projects/offenders-paupers-and-pioneers.
3. ↑ Death Index Western Australia State Government Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Western Australia online index [1] accessed 2023-Oct-29 Index Entry:

   Surname: Claffey, Given Names: Catherine , Sex: F, Age: 78, Father: UNKNOWN, Mother: Catherine SHIELS, Place of Death: Mt Desmond Hotel, Year of Death: 1906, Registration District: Phillips River , Registration Number: 5200002 , Registration Year: 1906