Michael McKew : Short Biography

Michael McKew married Mary Dunne on August 8, 1825 at St. Michael's Church in Portalosie, County Laois Ireland according to research done by Ireland Reaching Out staff.  My 3x great grandfather Michael McKew (sp McCue in USA) was born in Portaloaise and was baptized on March 16, 1836 with godparents Michael Dowling and Dora Dunne. Michael and Mary Dunne McKew had 5 other children baptized in port- Judy (Julia) Sept 16,1828, Patrick Nov 14,1830, Bridget Aug 5, 1833, John Jan 13, 1839 and Fanny June 7, 1840. Godparents were several Dunnes and Dowlings, along with Whelehan and Kellys.

I was NOT certain these findings were my relatives until I found the follwoing proof.  In a New York State USA will dated June 1881  Michale's sister Maria (Mira) McCue Moran noted that several relatives still resided in Marybone, Co. Laois Ireland. They were named Fanny Dunn, Bridget Dowling and Mary Dowling. Maria's will also noted her two brothers Michael (my 3x great grandfather) ( along with his wife Anna) and Jeremiah.  The will also named Terence Brady ( Maria's sister Julia's (Judy ?) husband), their daughter Mary Wheeler, their son John Brady, Marcus Dowling, and James Dowling.

Maria married Edward Moran -I don't know where or when. The 1860 US census found Edward and his wife Maria were both noted as aged 30 living in Ossining, Monroe Co. NY with their chidren Mary 9 months old- born in 1860 and Edward aged 2.  Also in their household was Mary McCue (aged 52) - Maria's mother, Julia (aged 26) her sister and Michael (aged 24) her brother. In research, I found Edward Moran was baptized Dec 11, 1831 in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland- parents were Eliza Connell and Hugh Moran- godparents were George Dunne and Bridge Connell.  I have had some contact with the Dunnes in Portlaoise ( Portarlington) and I am waiting for additional info.