Martin Cleary
Martin Cleary was born in Illaun, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland, in 1820. He was the son of Peter Cleary, a farmer who had also been born in Illaun, Miltown Malbay a generation earlier in 1790. It is also reported that Martin had an older brother, Anthony, born in 1818 (possibly the same Anthony Cleary, son of Peter, previously thought to have been born about ten years earlier - but it is also possible there were two fathers named Peter each with sons named Anthony).
Martin married Mary Griffin and their children were:
- Peter Cleary, born 1843
- Martin Cleary, born 1844 and apparently died before the birth of another child of the same name in 1859
- Daniel Cleary, born 1846, further information provided separately
- Mary Cleary, born 1849
- Bridget Cleary, born 1852
- Martin Cleary, born 1859
- James Cleary, born 1861, further information provided separately
- Thomas Cleary, born 1862
- Catherine Cleary, born 1864
- Patrick Cleary, born 1867
While it is known that Daniel remained on the farm and James emigrated to Queensland, Australia, it is thought that all the other children emigrated to the United States but no information about them is available.
Martin was one of four men named Cleary identified as resident in Illaun, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare in the Griffith Valuation of 1855. see Clearys of Illaun, Miltown Malbay.
In the 1901 census, Martin was recorded as aged 80 years (therefore he would have been born in approximately 1821), he was Roman Catholic, able both to read and write, and no occupation is stated. Also recorded is his wife Mary who was aged 75 years. They were obviously retired and living with their son Daniel Cleary who was recorded as being head of the household.
In the 1911 census, Martin is recorded as "grandfather" aged 90 years with his wife Mary aged 88. Also in the household were Mary, age 50, who was described as a widow and head of the household. Also present were Mary's children (details on separate page regarding Martin's son Daniel - click on link above).
Thanks to Brian and Val Cleary, of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, for providing much of the above information. Peter F Cleary of Melbourne, Australia, provided some additional information.
Any further information about Martin Cleary or his descendants would be appreciated.
