They are important,because Michael Whalen, and his brother Richard, left their famine ravaged homeland to make a living in these mines. For a full history of what brought hundreds of Irish to Cleator and the Moor, please visit Tom Duffy's website.
The 1881 British Census Lists Michael's brother, Richard, as head of the house on Duke Street. 33 yr old Richard's immediate family consisted of his wife Ellen Daugherty Whalen (31), and his children: James (11), Richard (8), Michael (11 mos) and Margaret (9). Also residing on Duke Street were Richard's extended family: His brother Michael (23), his 'widowed' mother-in-law Ellen McGlinn Daugherty (60), 'widowed' sister-in-law Mary Daugherty (26) and, adding to the confusion, Margaret Daugherty, aged 8. In addition to these family members were boarders Alexander McMullen and Richard Crately. And, so, the mystery begins...
A mystery, because the Whalen family tree gets a bit tangled and murky after this. The Mary Daugherty mentioned in the 1881 British Census goes on to wed Michael Whalen before Michael emigrates around 1886. The Census says she is a widow but gives her maiden name. Further, the Census reports the relationship to the head of the house (Richard) for little Margaret Daugherty, as being granddaughter, which is not possible. Once Mary Daugherty and Michael Whalen do wed, they will have two sons prior to leaving for America: James born in 1882 and Thomas born in 1884. Michael will emigrate first; Mary will follow in 1888 with their two sons.
Without moving too far ahead, what I won't discover until I uncover Margaret "Daugherty's" marriage certificate to one Robert Satterthwaite, many years later , is that her birthfather was McMullen. Her mother, it turns out, was Mary Daugherty. But I'll leave the story there, for now...
