Thomas Flanagan 1828-1896 and Mary Conlan 1829-1909

2^nd Great-grandparents – Paternal mother’s line of Cleary Family

Thomas Flanagan was born in 1828 in Westmeath, the son of Maria and James. His wife, Mary Conlan was born in December 1829 in Westmeath, the daughter of Bridget and Francis. Thomas and Mary were married in their hometown on 16 January 1855 and immigrated to Australia in April 1855 where they had nine children in 15 years. Thomas died on 5 February 1896 and Mary died on 22 December 1909, in Westmead, New South Wales.

Thomas Flanagan was born in 1828 in Ballymore, Westmeath, Ireland to Maria Dillon and James Flanagan. Thomas Flanagan 1828–1896

Mary Conlan was born in December 1829 in Ballymore, Westmeath, Ireland to Bridget Gilligan and Francis Conlan. Mary Conlan 1829–1909

Thomas Flanagan married Mary Conlan in Ballymore, Westmeath, Ireland on 16 January 1855 when he was 27 years old and she was 25 years old.

Immigration

Three months after their marriage on 12 April 1855, Thomas and Mary travelled to London and Plymouth, England where the boarded the vessel “Gloriana”. The ships destination was the Colony of New South Wales. Many Irish immigrants fled from starvation during the earlier 1840’s potato famine.

According to the ships manifest Thomas Flanagan was aged 22 and his wife Mary was 20. They arrived aboard the vessel “Gloriana” to Botany Bay from their native place Ballymore, Westmeath, Ireland, on 27 July 1855. The ships listing of immigrants show that the religion of both was Roman Catholic. Thomas’ calling was listed as “Ag Lab” i.e.  Agricultural Labourer, he was unable to read or write. Mary’s calling was wife and she could both read and write.

Children of Thomas and Mary Flanagan

1. Birth and Death of Daughter: Their first daughter Bridget was born on 20 October 1855 in Parramatta, New South Wales. Bridget died six months later, and her name was reused when twins were born in 1867. Bridget Flanagan 1855–1856
2. Birth and Death of Daughter: Their second daughter Maria was born on 13 February 1857 in Parramatta, New South Wales. In 1882, at the age of 25 Maria married Murtough Kelly. Following the birth of her son Stephen in 1882, she died from eversion of the womb during confinement. Maria Flanagan 1857–1882
3. Birth of Daughter: Their third daughter Mary Ellen was born on 24 May 1859. Mary Ellen Flanagan 1859–
4. Birth of Daughter: Their fourth daughter Jane was born on 26 May 1861 in Parramatta, New South Wales. Jane Flanagan 1859–
5. Birth of Son: Their first son Thomas Francis was born on 20 May 1863. Thomas Francis Flanagan 1863–1926
6. Birth and Death of Son: Their second son James was born on 15 July 1865 in Parramatta, New South Wales. James passed away in 1867 in Parramatta, New South Wales, at the age of two. James Flanagan 1865–1867
7. Birth of Son: Their third son John and twin of Bridget, was born on 18 October 1867 in Parramatta, New South Wales. John passed away in 1901 in Parramatta, New South Wales, at the age of 34. John Flanagan 1867–1901
8. Birth of Daughter: Their fifth daughter Bridget and twin of John, was born on 18 October 1867 in Parramatta, New South Wales. Bridget Flanagan 1867–1920
9. Birth of Daughter: Her sixth daughter Ellen was born on 23 October 1870 in Parramatta, New South Wales. Ellen Flanagan 1870–

Residence between 1886-1895

Thomas Flanagan and his wife Mary Conlan lived in Good Street in the municipality of Prospect and Sherwood. Good Street extended from the old Western Road to Hawkesbury Road near Parramatta

Their local Roman Catholic Church was St. Bridget’s, a substantial brick building erected by Dean Coffey in the 1850’s. The Flanagan family probably attended St. Patricks Church, Parramatta, or the nearby St Bridget’s Church that was served by the Very Rev. Dean Rigney, who resided in a cottage surrounded by a very pretty garden close to the church. A school was also conducted here.

Good Street is now within the suburb of Westmead, New South Wales. The following image shows evidence of their residence between 1886 and 1895:

Thomas passed away on 5 February 1896 in Westmead, New South Wales, at the age of 68. Thomas and Mary had been married for 41 years. He was buried in St. Patricks Cemetery, North Parramatta, the grave is unmarked. Thomas Flanagan 1828–1896

Mary Flanagan née Conlan died on 22 December 1909 in Good Street, Westmead, New South Wales, when she was 80 years old. She was buried on 22 December 1909 in St. Patricks Cemetery, North Parramatta, the grave is unmarked. Mary Conlan 1829–1909

Reviewed and updated on 24 February 2022