The Kiernan/Kernan family
We have absolutely no idea who Mary Kiernan’s parents were, nor where she was born in Ireland. The space for her parents’ names was left blank on her death certificate and her marriage record does not identify them. As with Susan (McCloskey) Gough, we believe that Mary probably emigrated from Ireland alone or with siblings, leaving her parents behind. There are several Mary Kiernans listed in New York immigration records, but there is no way to tell which one may be the correct Mary.
There are several other Kiernan/Kernan individuals who lived in the Hazleton area when Mary did, and it is possible that they may be related:
-- Michael Kiernan/Kernan lived with Hugh and Mary McGeehan in the 1860 census enumeration (Hugh’s last name was spelled McGeigen). Michael also served as the baptismal sponsor for Hugh and Mary’s daughter, Mary, in 1861 at St. Gabriel’s church.
-- Hugh Kiernan/Kernan also lived with Hugh and Mary in 1860 and was the baptismal sponsor for Hugh and Mary’s daughter, Anna, in 1865 (listed as Hugh Kornan).
-- Margaret Kernan was the baptismal sponsor for Hugh and Mary’s son, Hugh, in 1867.
We hope to be able to uncover more information about the Kiernans, including their town of origin in Ireland.