1

Gallen Family History

From the early 19th century
Tithe Applotment books in
Ireland, the major concentra-
tion of families with the
Gallen surname in the 18th
and 19th century was on the
border of County Donegal
and County Tyrone. The
fields they farmed during
those years were in the hills
between the River Finn and
the Mourne Beg River. These
were in the parishes of
Donaghmore in County
Donegal and Termonamon-
gan in County Tyrone
I believe that the original
Gallen families moved into
this area before the 16th
century (probably from In-
ishowen) and farmed the
fertile land of the Finn Valley
near the river. Gallen families
became herenaghs in
Donaghmore Parish.
A Herenagh was the chief
elect of a sept (family group)
in medieval times in Ireland,
and was a lay official of
church lands. The herenagh
was elected by the sept and
then confirmed by the bishop.
of townlands belonging to the
Diocese of Derry

I believe that the original
Gallen families moved into
this area before the 16th
century
At the beginning of the 18th
century, the population of
the Finn and Derg Valleys
was evenly split between
Protestants and Catholics.
By J ohn Gal l en
The extended family of
Gallens paid rent for the land
(in the form of farm prod-
ucts) to the Bishop of Derry.
(From The Patent Rolls of
James I- Inquisition of Lifford
1609.)

Then came the Plantation
of English and Scottish set-
tlers in the early 17th century
as a result of the defeat of
the Irish earls. The land was
confiscated from the Irish
landowners and granted to
the English victors. The na-
tive Irish like the Gallens,
who leased land previously
from Irish owners, were dis-
placed by Protestant tenants
that the English landlords
imported from Scotland and
England. The Gallens and
other Irish farmers were per-
mitted to lease poorer
Land.
It appears that the Gallen
families moved to the area
around the townland of Meen-
reagh on the Donegal side of
the Mourne Beg River. Much of
this land was unsuitable for
farming until manure and top-
soil was carried there to estab-
lish small plots on their inex-
pensive large fields of bogs
and rocky earth.
At the beginning of the 18th
century, the population of the
Finn and Derg Valleys was
evenly split between Protes-
tants and Catholics. After a
few decades of hardship, the
ratio changed in favour of
Catholics when Protestant set-
tlers, mostly Presbyterian,
emigrated to America.
This freed up some of the
fertile lowlands and some
Catholics moved in. Near
the end of the 18th cen-
tury, the Gallen families
were firmly established in
the Finn and Derg Valleys.

Jamie Gallen around
1908 (Right)
The above photo was taken
around 1906 at the farm in
Kilclean. Jamie Gallen my G
Grandfather is walking to-
wards the camera. My
grandfather James Gallen is
sitting on a lime Killen on
the left of the photo.
The photograph below is a
typical Irish thatched
cottage built with stone in
the late 1800,s
2

Owen Gallens eldest daughter Bridget with her
husband John Bradley and some of their family at
Sallywood, Killygorden, Co Donegal.

My GG Grandfather's Owen
Gallens first wife died when my
G Grandfather was very young,
they had only one child Jamie
Gallen born in 1830 app. In Gar-
vagh Blane, Killeter, Co Tyrone.

Owen married his second wife
Cecily Connolly in 1839 they had
five children. Bridget 1840, John
1845, Ann 1845, Tom 1850, &
Cathern 1859.


PRONI holds records relating to the valuation
of property in Northern Ireland from the
1830s to 1930. The original purpose was,
and still remains, the assessment of every
building and every piece of land and an esti-
mation of its financial value. The first
Townland Valuation (VAL/1) of 1828-40 was
followed by a Primary Valuation of Ireland
(1848-1864), better known as Griffiths Valua-
tion. Thereafter, properties were valued annu-
ally from 1864 until the early 1930s (the an-
nual Valuation Revision Books (VAL/12/B)).
Each year, valuers recorded any change in the
quality or dimensions of the properties, or in
the names of occupiers or immediate Lessor,
and any differences in the acreage and value.
The changes were recorded in different col-
ours of ink, one colour for each year, and the
alterations are usually dated. This can help to
establish significant dates in family history,
such as dates of death, sale or migration.











Val uati on Revi si on Books and the Gri ffi th Val uati on
The farm house at Garvagh Bl ane and the l ocal vil l age Ki l leter
tion map showing Farm Plot 1
From Bernard and Mary Gallens (Philadelphia) notes
around 1950, Grandchildren of Jamie and Eleanors
The farm house on the left is
on Owen Gallens, farm the
outbuilding with the red roof
was probably the original cot-
tage.

According to the Griffith
Valuation of 1850 Owen had
62 acres leased from The Earl
of Castlestuart at a yearly rent
of 8 15 shillings.

Garvagh Blane Griffith valua-

Owen Gallen 17961871
Killeter Village late 1800s
Generation 1
3

El eanor McDaid 1834 1911
Born approximately 1830 in the Townland of
Blaine, Parish of Aghyaran, Killerter Post Of-
fice, County Tyrone, Ireland. Orphaned at
about age 14. ( This is not correct Owen lived
until 1871 and had five more children) His
mother dies when he was even younger. He
was the only child of this marriage. His father
married again (name of wife unknown).
( Cecily Connolly) A sister was born of the 2nd
marriage, named Bridget. He was raised by
an uncle by the name of Barney Gallen,
known as the Cairn Man, He also lived in the
townland of Blaine. The word cairn means
rock in Gaelic. There was a number of very
huge rocks in his farm in the shape of tables
and chairs and various other shapes. (We
saw them when we visited there in 1908)
Since there were no church records that we
could find, we do not know of any other rela-
tives in his family. My recollection of my
grandfather is that of a most saintly man. He
spent most of his time making baskets or
creels (large baskets for holding or hauling
turf). These baskets were made from sally
rods that grew in the garden in their farm.
When we were living with our grandparents,
he used to sit and sing to us especially the
younger ones. He died in 1921. He was
approximately 91 years old. He is buried in St
Patrick's Churchyard, Castlederg. April 21st
(1) From Bernard and Marys notes

Died of "BRONCHITIS CHRONIC CERTIFIED"
Born in Kilclean, County Tyrone (about 2
miles from Blaine). The first name of her
father is unknown- his last name McDade. No
record of her mother's maiden name. She
had one brother William who died in early
childhood. Her father and mother died when
she was about 13 o 14. Her parents owned
the farm in Kilclean, where Aidan, his wife
Theresa and family now live. When her par-
ents died, an uncle by the name of William
McDade, raised her and took over the farm.
She married my grandfather James Gallen at
about the age 17. The McDade family gave
her back the house where she was born and
about one third of the original farm. All their
children were born in this same house. My
mother always claimed that her parents had
16 children - 8 boys and 8 girls. We can ac-
count only for 14 - 7 boys and 7 girls. My
recollection of my grandmother is that of a
very aristocratic woman. She was well edu-
cated and she had two pet subjects-spelling
and Catechism, and she hit us with them
continually. Since there were no schools for
Catholics in her early years, it never occurred
to me to ask just where she received this edu-
cation. Since reading the history of that time I
now realize that there were scholars who
taught children in the privacy of their homes.
Another memory of my grandmother is, every
evening before bedtime, she came up from her
bedroom swinging her Rosary. That was the
signal for all to get on their knees. She died
March 21, 1911, aged 77 years. Buried in St
Patrick's Churchyard, Castlederg. The priest
who visited her in her last moments told my
mother he only wished he had her chance for
heaven. (1)From Bernard and Marys notes
Jamie (James) Gallen 1830 - 1921
The photo on the left was taken in 17th
March 1906 it was St Patricks Day and
William (with beard) Edward (Ned)
Centre back and Hannah sitting on
right. They were all home from New
Zealand to see the new house that had
just been built, Bridget sitting on the
left Joe behind her and my Grandfather
James at the back far right. Jamie &
Eleanor seated middle front. This is 6
of their 14 children.
Jamie & Eleanor had 14 Children 9
Emigrated to New Zealand, 2 to
Philadelphia and 3 stayed in Ireland
A hedge school is the name given to
an educational practice in 18th and 19th
century Ireland, so called due to
its rural nature. It came about as local
educated people began an oral tradi-
tion of teaching the community. With
the advent of the commercial world in
Ireland after 1600, its peasant society
saw the need for greater education.
Sometimes they were held in barns and
houses.
Below is a photo of the house at Kilclean in
the early 1930s
Below Eleanor McDaid in 1906
Generation 2
4

This is the cottage today (photo below) (2013) it has been com-
pletely renovated in 2005 and still in the Gallen family.
Carol Prior from Liverpool on a visit with her mother Madge Prior nee
McDaid age 90 (below) in 2001. Carol is the GG Granddaughter of
Edward McDaid. The photos left is taken in the old cottage on the
right above. Below the family grave in Castlederg with Joan Prior a GG
Granddaughter of Edward McDaid who made the connection back to
Kilclean.
The farm at Kilclean was owned by Edward McDaid
17961871(Eleanor's uncle) it is just over 45 acres and
his landlord is Sir Robert A Ferguson, his rent is 8 15
shillings yearly for plot 13 on the Griffith valuation.
When Jamie married Eleanor (he was 21 she was 17)
the family gave them half the farm and the house she
was born in. They lived in this house until a new house
further up the laneway was built around 1905.
The building (left) below is part of the original
house where Jamie and Eleanor reared their
14 Children. The house on the right is the
McDaid family home. ,
The McDaids (McDevitt)
Photo of the farm in the 1980s
The two McDaid families lived side by side on the right this is where
Edward McDaid lived, followed by his son William McDaid and Cath-
ern Coyle who had ten children five of them emigrated to Chicago
from 1870s. Two others emigrated to Scotland and Paddy McDaid lived
in this house until his death in 1936. I am in contact with both the
Chicago cousins and the Scottish cousins. After Paddys death my
Grandfather James bought the farm from the family.
The house on the left is where Eleanor McDaid was born she also had
a brother William who died in 1835 age five years.
It is also interesting to point out that Eleanors parents died around the
mid 1840s the time of the Great Potato Famine in Ireland.
Both McDaid houses in the late 1990s
The McDevitts
(McDaids) were
Paying rent on
the farm around
1825 according
to the Tithe Ap-
plotment Books.
William Mc De-
vitt and Widow
McDevitt
As with so many others of this time, whole families were forced to
emigrate from the family home in Ireland and seek a living else where.
Out of these two families the McDaids and Gallens from 1870s on-
wards 20 children born from the 1850s emigrated to New Zealand,
Scotland, Chicago, Philadelphia and England.
5

A PIONEER PASSES - MR WILLIAM
GALLEN
The death of Mr William Gallen has removed
one of the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland in
1852 and emigrated to New Zealand in the
early 70's (1875).
After his arrival in south Canterbury he
worked in the Levels District for some years,
and took a position with the Mount Cook Road
Board (now the Mackenzie County Council)-
building back country roads.
Mr Gallen later became a contractor, and had
two teams working in the Fairlie distract be-
fore the start of the present century. With two
brother, Messer's Hugh and Edward Gallen. he
acquired an interest in a small property at the
foot of the Gorge Road, Fairlie, about 1890.
Later he purchased a farm of The Brothers,
and a few years afterwards also obtained a
small property near Thaana where he resided
until his death this week
Wi l l i am (Bi l l ) Gal l en 18521938
He took no active part in public affairs but was
widely respected for the part he had played in
the district's pioneering history.
Mr Gallen never married, and is survived by
three brother and three sisters. One bother is
still in Ireland and a sister is in America. The
others, who live in the Fairlie distract, are Mrs E
Robinson, Miss H. Gallen, Mr E. Gallen and Mr
Joseph Gallen.
The funeral service was conducted by the Rev.
Father O. Gallagher at the Fairlie Cemetery. The
pall-bearers were Messrs E Robinson, John
Gallen. E Wade, J. Wade and Joseph Gallen.
As with so many others of his time and circum-
stances, William was forced to emigrate from
the family home in Ireland and seek a living else
where .
MY mother had no recollection of her brother
William, sister Katie and another sister. William
paid a short visit to Ireland in the early part of
1908. Since my mother arrived in Ireland in
June of that year, she missed him by a month or
so. (1) From Bernard and Marys notes

As with so many others of his time
and circumstances, William was
forced to emigrate from the family
home in Ireland and seek a living else
where .
The death of Mr William Gallen has
removed one of the pioneers of the
Mackenzie Country
In the 19th century, migrants to New
Zealand endured dreadful conditions
for several months on sailing ships,
daily facing the possibility of death by
malnutrition and disease, fire, storm,
shipwreck and even mutiny.
Obituary of William Gallen
Catherine (Kate) Gallen 18531887

Catherine (Kate) Gallen emigrated to
New Zealand in 1878 about a year
after her older brother William. She
was the eldest girl in the family. Kate
died at age 34 leaving 3 small chil-
dren, her husband Johnny Dick remar-
ried and had 4 more children.
New Zealands European
population doubled between
1871 and 1881. In the same
period Taranakis European
population more than tripled
from 4,480 to 14,858.
At the same time, the Mori
population declined because
of epidemics of introduced
European diseases such as
influenza and measles.
Generation 3
6

Bri dget Gal l en 1854 1919
At the age of 8 or 9 Bridget lived and worked
for a family by the name of Curran in the town
of Castlederg This Catholic family owned sev-
eral businesses there. Roseanne of the Curran
family never married and when she died in
1917 she left Bridget the family home, the busi-
ness a draper shop and an annuity for life.
Bridget was preparing to go to America to visit
her sister Mary Ann when she was stricken with
the flu and died in 1919. According to her
nephew Bernard she was a kind and wonderful
person and spent one day every week with her
Father and Mother. All her inheritance was
returned Curran estate after she died. (1)
The following is from Bernard & Marys notes
on the Family History
The year 1918/19 is justly remembered in Ire-
land for the election that led to the formation of
the First Dil, but for people at the time, an equally
pressing concern was the outbreak of the Spanish
flu. The epidemic is estimated to have killed 40
million people worldwide and in six months in-
fected some 800,000 people in Ireland and killed
about 23,000
To put this into context, from 1916 to 1923, about
4-5,000 people died in political violence in Ireland.
The flu epidemic which raged from July 1917 to
March of 1919, when it suddenly and mysteriously
vanished, killed only slightly less Irish people than
the four years of the Great War where an offi-
cially recorded total of 27,405 Irishmen lost their
lives.
At the age of 8 or 9 Bridget lived
and worked for a family by the
name of Curran in the town of
Castlederg
The influenza epidemic killed
about 23,000 people in Ireland in
1918-1919
The victory parade for the Great War in Dublin
in early 1919. Meetings such as this and repub-
lican rallies helped to spread the disease.
John and Ellen were married in Ireland and
emigrated to the USA about 1888. Their family
and ours were always closely associated especially
uncle John and my father. When aunt Ellen died
John lived with his daughter Mary who was mar-
ried in 1913 to a man by name of Patrick Mc
Granaghan born in Blaine County Tyrone Ireland.
When uncle John first came to the US we did not
have electric trolleys. They were drawn by horses
and he was one of the drivers. Later he operated
those run by power. (1)
John Gal l en 1856 1941 and El eanor McHugh 1868-1935
The following is from Bernard & Marys notes
on the Family History
Eleanor McHugh was
from Kilclean the farm
next door to the Gallens.
In 1903 he and his family
paid a visit to Ireland.
Photo opposite is John and Ellens daughter
Mary Ann born 1894 who lived to be over 100
years old.
When he retired he almost a daily visitor at our
home. We all loved him . In 1903 he and his family
paid a visit to Ireland. He returned about a year later
but his wife and two children remained until 1907.
They lived while there with my grandparents and re-
turned in 1907. Just about that time the new house
was built in Kilclean It was built on top of the hill not
far from the old house. It was called "The Brae" This is
Scotch word for Hill
When uncle John first came to the US we did
not have electric trolleys. They were drawn
by horses and he was one of the drivers
Generation 3
7

Eleanor Gallen 18591942 and John Robinson 1851 1927
May 26
th
1906
Dear Ellen I take the pleasure to write you a few lines to let you know we are all well at
present thank God, hoping these few lines find you all the same. We received your very
welcome letter all right with the present of six pounds in it thank you very much for it. I
cant say nothing about James in this letter the last word he sent he said he was coming
home he has not come yet. You say Winnie has got Married again well we wish her all sorts
of good luck, she did not dirty much paper writing to me anyhow, I hope he will be as good
as the first, if he does she made a good go of it, is he a farmer.
Dear Ellen there is many a change in this country John Coyle is no more. Mick will know Joe
Barr he is away to Canada. John Thomas Burke died last week. Michael McHugh auctioned
his plenishin on Friday last all the furniture he had, he let his house for ten years to a man
by the name of Ward. Him and his wife and children is going to America next week.
William John McDade has got married to Annie Ketterson Pollyarnon there is some fun with
old Kate and Nelson. The Curries have sent for a son of Joe O Donells he will soon be going
away.
We have had a very wet summer for so far. Dear Ellen I have put in a very sore winter,
sickness and fretting about James killed me out.
I hope Nelly and Katley is getting along well at school. I hope Winnie will keep the children
at school, I hope he will be good to the children, I know that yours will be good to them tell
them to write to me. How is Nelly Dick and Mary Jane , I got a letter from Ed the same day I
got yours , Im glad your potatoes has escaped the blight I hope Williams will escape it.
I hope these few lines will find you all enjoying the best of health God be with you all from
your Father and Mother
I will write as soon as I get a letter from James
This is a transcript opposite of a letter
from Eleanor to her daughter Eleanor
(Ellen) in New Zealand. She is giving her
the news from home, takes a swipe at
her daughter Winnie who is getting mar-
ried again, for not writing to her and how
she is worried about her son James (my
Grandfather) who has gone to America.
James in his letter talks about Prime Minster Massey:
William Ferguson Massey, often known as Bill Massey or "Farmer Bill" (26 March 1856 10
May 1925) served as the 19th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1912 to 1925, and was the
founder of the Reform Party. He is widely considered to have been one of the more skilled politi-
cians of his time, and was known for the particular support he showed towards rural interests.
After Richard Seddon, he is to date the second longest serving Prime Minister in New Zealand's
history.
Massey was born in 1856 into a farming family, and grew up in Limavady, County London-
derry in Ireland. His father John Massey and his mother Marianne (or Mary Anne) Ferguson were
tenant farmers who also owned a small property. His family moved to New Zealand in 1869, al-
though Bill Massey himself remained in Ireland for a further year to complete his education. After
arriving in New Zealand, Massey worked as a farmhand for some years before acquiring his own
farm in 1877.
I must tell you that
father is no more. He
died on the 17th of
April. He was confined
to bed for ten days. He
got all the care we could
give him, he suffered no
pain. We feel very
lonely now we have
nobody at all
This country is awful at
present for murder rob-
bery and burning
houses and towns.
(The Irish War of Independ-
ence is during this period)
Generation 3
8

Obituary Mr Hugh Gallen
Emigrated to New Zealand and spent
40 years in that country in association
with brother William Gallen.
There passed away peacefully on Sept
27th at his residence Albury. Hugh
Gallen one of the best known and most
cordially esteemed man in the Albury
and Fairlie Districts. Mr Gallen was a
native of Ireland and came to NZ about
40 years ago He was just 62 years of
age on the day of his death. He was a
man who did good by stealth being of a
quiet retiring disposition a good
neighbour and ever ready to lend a
hand to those in need. He leaves a
widow and three sons to mourn their
loss. The funeral was largely attended
being generally admitted to be the
largest ever seen in the district.
Hugh Gallen 1861-1923 and Cathern Sullivan 1870-1938
Steamers take over
In 1883 the New Zealand government awarded a contract for a monthly mail service between Britain and New Zea-
land to the New Zealand Shipping Company and Shaw Savill. The Shipping Company promptly ordered five 15-knot
steamers of more than 4,000 tons each. The steamers also carried masts and sails for use when the winds were fa-
vourable, to save on coal. Before this, the company chartered two steamers with sails, the British King and
the British Queen, for the New Zealand run. Shaw Savill also acquired steamers for the route.
Journey by steamer was more comfortable than by sailing ship. Third-class passengers still had to provide their own
bedding and mess utensils, and their diet was still based on porridge and preserved and salted meat, but they also
enjoyed fresh bread and roast meat. Meals were cooked and served by stewards. The cabins were lit by electricity
and heated by steam.
Hugh arrived in New Zealand on the British
Queen (above) around the 10th May 1883.
After his arrival in south Canterbury he
worked in the Levels District for some
years, and took a position with the Mount
Cook Road Board (now the Mackenzie
County Council)- building back country
roads. Hugh & Cathern had three sons
William James, John Hugh & Edward.
ARRIVAL OF THE BRITISH QUEEN
The Evening Post May 15th 1883
The following is the report of the British Queen's voyage from Plymouth:- "Left
Plymouth at 7.35pm on the 24th March; experienced fine weather with light
variable winds, and arrived at Santa Cruz (Tenerife) on the 29th; sailed again
next day, had very light N E Trades, and crossed the Equator on the 9th April;
got very strong S E Trades, which lasted to latitude 20dg S, thence fine
weather and light variable winds, and arrived at the Cape of Good Hope on the
15th. Took her departure on the 17th, made the Easting with moderate and
variable winds between latitude 39dg and 40dg S. Made Cape Moon light on
the 7th inst., passed through Bass Strait, experienced thick, dirty weather
while under the land, and fine weather with changeable winds, thence to Cape
Farewell, which was passed at 9.30pm on the 12th. Had very thick weather in
the Strait, and made the Heads at 1pm on the 13th. Was boarded by Pilot
Holmes off the Pinnacles, and anchored off Thornton baths at 8.30pm on Sun-
day. The actual steaming time was 48 days 5 hours and 3 minutes. On the
25th April in lat 40dg 4mn S., and long 64dg 42mn W, spoke the barque Eury-
lees, bound from Natal to Adelaide with about 60 passengers. She had not
been long out, but was short of provisions, and obtained a supply from the
British Queen which was considered sufficient to carry her to her destination."

The actual steaming time was 48
days 5 hours and 3 minutes.
arrived at Santa Cruz (Tenerife)
on the 29th;
crossed the Equator on the 9th
April;
arrived at the Cape of Good
Hope on the 15th.
British Queen left Plymouth on
the 24th March, with 415 pas-
sengers on board, a large num-
ber being government immi-
grants.
Generation 3
9

Winifred Gallen 1865-1922 James Wade 1856-1890
1890 Marriages in the District of Timaru
No 299, 10th June, 1890 In the Priest's House, Timaru
James Wade, 36, Labourer a widower since August 22 1888, birth-
place England. Residence: Timaru. Father: Robert Wade, Labourer.
Mother: Mary Wade formerly Randall.
Winifred Gillon, 24, House Maid, a spinster. Birthplace Ireland. Resi-
dence: Timaru. Father: James Gillon, Labourer. Mother: Ellen Gillon,
formerly McDavitt.
James Foley, officiating minister or registrar.
Signed: James Wade and Winifred Gallen. In the presence of us:
Michael O'[unclear] and Ellen Gallen.
Stamped by Births, Deaths, Marriages: 29 Sep 2009, registration no.
1890/3736, ref no. 9.0189969

Winifred and James had six children Kathleen, Nell, Joe,
William, John and Edward


Winifred Gallen 1865-1922 Tim Harnett 1853-1906
NZ Herald newspaper piece about the death
of Winifred Harnett. THROWN FROM A TRAP.
ELDERLY WOMAN KILLED. [BY TELEGRAPH.
PRESS ASSOCIATION] TIMARU, Tuesday.
Mrs. Harnett, an elderly resident of Fairlie,
was killed this morning at Wash-dyke. While
she was driving a horse bolted and she was
thrown out of the vehicle.
The family story is that after Sunday Mass the
parish priest's horse was spooked and his
carriage went out of control, running Winifred
down. The priest was able to give last rites on
the spot.
As a result my grandmother, Winifred Mary
Clare Harnett (known as Mary, the only child
of Winifred and Timothy Harnett) grew up not
really knowing her mother's side of the family
very well. She was sent to boarding school
from a young age but she returned to Fairlie
to marry Patrick Keenan, a sheep farmer and
my father and his 5 brothers and 1 sister
grew up there.
Ria Keenan G Granddaughter of Winifred
William Wade third son of Winifred
& James died in WW1 on the 21st
Oct 1917 he was awarded the Dis-
tinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal
was regarded as second only to the
Victoria Cross in prestige.
The D.C.M. was awarded to Sergeant
William Wade for gallantry in the
field in the face of the enemy. Wil-
liam Wade was also entitled to use
the letters D.C.M. after his name.
Joe and Edward also fought in The
Great War
The Great War 1914-18 had a far reaching consequences for
Ireland. The human dimension of Irelands contribution to the
war effort was enormous, with over 279,000 men (40% of the
adult male population) serving in the British armed forces.
The front line soldiers endured horrifying conditions and casual-
ties reached appalling levelsbarley a village escaped those
years without the death of at least one local young man.
Winifred and Tim had one child,
Winifred Mary Clare (Mary)
Mary married Patrick Keenan a
sheep farmer from Fairlie.
Tragically Winifred was killed in an
accident when she was 60 years old
in 1922.
She had lost both her husbands
and a son in the Great War.
She is buried beside her first hus-
band James Wade in Timaru ceme-
tery New Zealand.
Generation 3
10

Edward (Ned) Gallen 1866-1943 and Annie Currie 1869-1929
We believe Edward was the first of the family to emigrate to the USA about the 1880,s. He did
not stay in America very long but returned to Ireland and then went on to New Zealand (no
Dates) Son Teddy was killed in an accident in 1924 at the age of 24. While he was in the US he
sent the passage money or as they called it "a ticket" for aunt Hannah and Aunt Bridget to come
to the US. Aunt Bridget decided to stay with the Curran Family so my Mother , Mary Ann Gallen
came with Hannah. Uncle Edward's granddaughter, Mary Gallen of Limestone Valley, Albury NZ
has been in correspondence with us several times a year for over 25 years. We have a picture
of the farm and home there. We also have a wedding photograph of Uncle Edward's son John
Sheep raising there seems to be their business. (1)
Edward sailed on the ship
Aorangi to New Zealand
and landed on the 21st Aug
1890.
Edward and Annie had two
sons John James (Johnny
Ned) and Edward who died
in a car accident.
Edward married Margaret
Brosnan and had three
children Mary, Edward &
Rita.
Hannah Gallen 1867-1953
Hannah emigrated to the USA about 1889 or 1890 with her sister Mary
Ann. Eliza Mc Menamin a neighbour and Roseanne Divenney a friend.
She returned to Ireland in 1896. Later she joined brothers and sisters in
NZ 30th July 1902. She made a brief visit to Ireland in 1906. She and
uncle Bill lived together at Fairlie in NZ, Uncle Joe joined them later. Aunt
Hannah was Mary Ann's bridesmaid. (1)
Hannah was quite a character and
there is some wonderful stories about
her. There is a story that, on finding
Bill dead in his bed, she harnessed the
buggy and set of for Fairlie where she
made several large purchases in Bill's
name before calling on the Doctor to
attend to Bill who was sick. The Dr
found Bill well and truly dead in his
bed, he had died peacefully in his
sleep the night before !!
Hannah never married.
Generation 3
11

James Gallen emigrated to Philadelphia in 1904 but only
stayed for about a year he did not like the climate. He married
Mary Mc Geehan in 1910 and they took over the running of
the farm from his father Jamie.
Mary McGeehan was natural Irish speaker
from Balinamore Fintown Co Donegal. Mary
was hired out at an early age at the Strabane
hiring fare. She was hired to a Castlederg
family who ran a forge in the town.
They had eight children William James, Madge, Nellie, Mick,
Daniel, Hugh, John and Aiden (My father) the baby in the photo opposite taken in
1931.
James and Mary bought the other half of the McDaid farm when Paddy McDaid
died in 1937.
Below is a photo of the house in Kilclean about the mid 1950s. You can just see
Marian my sister and myself standing at the front door.
Back in the year 1930 or thereabouts the people of Ireland lived a different life
than that of today. People had their own milk, made their own butter and bread. The
flour used was got from milling the wheat which they grew on the land.

They had no electricity or electric or gas ovens. They used a "bastible" or pot oven.
The bastible was the main way of cooking. Turf was
used to make the fire. They cut the turf in the bog,
dried it and drew it home with donkeys and baskets or
if they were lucky they had a horse and slide. To come
back to the "bastible" it was used as I have said to
bake bread. The turf coals were placed on the lid and
the fire distributed under and around the sides. It was
also used to boil meat and potatoes, roast chicken,
duck or goose. It was the most useful utensil around
the house.
The main meat used was bacon. Pigs were fattened by boiling small potatoes which again were home grown,
mixed with crusted oats or barley to which a little skim milk was added. The chicken was usually a Sunday treat.
Then once a month when the man of the house would go to the fair he would bring home a piece of fresh meat .
what we now know as round steak. That was the only meat purchased. All the rest was home produced
Photo The Strabane Hireing Fair
Between the 17th and 19th century, thousands of men and women were driven by hunger
and poverty to move long distances within Ulster to work as labourers. Desperate to re-
duce the number of mouths to feed and to pay the landlords rent, many parents also sent
their children to work for distant farmers.
Workers who did succeed in finding a position were generally hired for 6 months or a
term as it was called. This saved employers having to pay weekly wages to employees
during times when there was little farm work or labouring to be done.

The amount paid to these
hired workers varied according to their location, the market prices farmers were
receiving for their produce at the time, and the workers age, gender and abili-
ties. Horsemen generally earned the top wage of 8-12 per term, followed by
cowmen earning between 7-10 and labourers who received about 5-7 per
term.
Female employees undoubtedly had the greatest range of responsibilities, Yet,
women earned up to 50% less than men - about 3 per term and stood no real
chance of promotion.
Photo Castlederg around 1930
James Gallen 1869-1957 Mary McGeehan 1886-1938
Generation 3
12

Mary Ann Gallen 1871-1953 Bernard Gallen 1860-1945
Married Bernard Gallen (note same surname) on 30 April 1896 in
St James Roman Catholic Church, 38th and Chestnut Streets,
Philadelphia.
Mary Ann came to the USA in 1895 and married 1 year later in
1896. She worked as a domestic until marriage. While my fa-
ther remained here in US my mother paid a visit to her parents
in Ireland in June 1908. My sister Pheny was born three months
later - she was the first one born in the new house 'the Brae'
My mother planned to stay a summer but she stayed until her
mother died in March 1911. In the meantime we moved to a
little cottage nearer school. We returned to the US in October
1911. My father and mother visited Ireland again in 1932 at the
time of the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin.
My mother was fiercely loyal to the land of her birth and had an intense love for her children
who were also devoted to her until her death. I always thought my mother was a beautiful
woman. (1)

Mary Ann and Bernard had 8 children, Thomas, Mary Ellen,
James, John, Josephine (Died age 1) Bernard, Kathleen (Pheny)
and William.
Bernard and his sister Mary left us a lot of the family history
notes for us to enjoy. Many thanks to them.
While my father remained here in US my mother paid a visit to
her parents in Ireland in June 1908.
My sister Pheny was born three months later - she was the first
one born in the new house 'the Brae' My mother planned to
stay a summer but she stayed until her mother died in March
1911.
Catherine Gallen 1877 - 1894

Civil Death Record
Name: Catherine Gallen Date of Death: 11-Mar-1894
Age: 17 Parish / District: CASTLEDERG
Address: Kilcleen County: TYRONE
Status: Spinster (Previously unmarried)
Occupation: FARMER'S DAUGHTER Sex: Female

Graveyard Informant
Graveyard: Relationship: Father
Parish: Name: James Gallen
County: Address: Kilcleen

Notes: TUBERCULAR CONSUMPTION 6 MONTHS CERTIFIED.

Catherine was the youngest child of Jamie and Eleanor, she died age 17 on the 11th March 1894. The above Civil Death
record is the only evidence I can find for Catherine.
Generation 3
13

Michael Gal len 1872-1932 Mary Hanifin 1892-1969
Michael (Mick) emigrated to New Zealand in 1907, landing in Bluff.
He worked and contracted around Fairlie until 1913 when he was
able to lease the 250 acres which made up "Tara Hill" a property
on a hill not far from the township of Fairlie which reflects to some
extent the farm which the family members left in Ireland.
Michael had a sub leased on the farm from his older brother William
who had bought the farm in 1895. In 1916 Michael bought the farm
from Bill outright , according to the land records of Mackenzie
County Council.
He built a hut on the property to save going up and down the hill
each day. As well as his hut, Mick built a shed before starting the
house, once his occupancy of the property was confirmed. This is
where he and his wife Mary (nee Hanifin) reared their six children.
On the farm they ran mainly sheep but milked six or seven cows by
hand as well. Butter was made and sold at four pence a pound and
eggs sold at six pence a dozen.
Mick died when his youngest child Teresa was only four and his
eldest Jim was fifteen in 1932 age 60.
Michael and Mary had 6 children James, Patrick, Mary Ann,
(Maureen) Edward. Josephine (Julia) and Teresa.
Left is Michael with his team of horses pulling disk harrows
Back row: Paddy and Cornelius) Con Hanifin (brides brother)
Mary Hanifin (Bride) Michael Gallen (groom) Eddie Wade
(grooms cousin) Front row Annie Hanifin (bride sister) and Mary
Robinson (grooms cousin)
When Michael died in 1932 the family carried on with the farm.
James Cornelius Gallen (Michael and Marys eldest son) took over
responsibility of looking after his mother and siblings at the age of
15 after his father died. James married Naumai Edwyina Anniss in
1946 in Fairlie.
In 1938 Mary moved to Temuka and James took over running sheep
only. This was not very successful so in 1941 the farm was sold.
James and his brother Patrick bought a chaff cutting business and
home for the family in Grey Street Fairlie. James died age 39 and
Naumia lived to be 81 years.
James & Naumai Wedding Best Man
Brother Patrick Gallen & Bridesmaid sis-
ter Julia Gallen 1946
Hill of Tara (Irish: Cnoc na Teamhrach, located near the River Boyne, is
an archaeological complex that runs be-
tween Navan and Dunshaughlin in County Meath, Ireland. It contains a
number of ancient monuments, and according to tradition, was the seat of
the High King of Ireland.
The farm in New Zealand is named Tara Hill
Generation 3
14

Joseph never married, he lived at home in the family home until he emigrated to New
Zealand about 1912. He lived with Aunt Hannah and Uncle Bill in Fairlie. He came home
to Ireland some years later and bought a 40 acre farm, part of which was a portion of the
original McDade farm formerly owned by his maternal grandparents. He returned to New
Zealand some time later. The 40 acres he bought is now part of Aidan's property.
The farm is still in the Gallen name.
Below Joes House in New Zealand
Margaret Steen (nee Gallen)
wrote I can remember Uncle
Joe (my fathers James Gallens
uncle) occasionally biking to our
house from the other end of
Denmark Street. He was very
polite and quietly spoken. He
would sit and have a cup of tea
with my mother. Around his
neck, tucked under his shirt, he
wore a little bag on a string and
he would pull the little bag out
and take a note of money from
the roll that was kept in there
and gave it to my mum to help with the girls (me and my three sisters). When he died he
left a little bit of money to Jims Maumia - my mother in his will, which was read at the
graveside
Joseph Gallen 18771963
Above Castlederg Main St in the 1920s
Below Joe Gallen in New Zealand with his dogs
standing beside a Ferguson TE20 tractor.
Ferguson Model TE20 was an agricultural tractor
designed by Harry Ferguson from Northern Ire-
land
Generation 3
15

The American Wake
The mixed emotions surrounding the departure of an Irish emigrant were difficult for both the emigrant and his/her family and friends to contain.
On the one hand was the possibility of a better life a healthier , more prosperous and fulfilling life than Ireland could offer.
On the other was the deep sorrow of knowing that, in all likelihood, the emigrant would never see the homeland, or these family and friends,
again.

Very few Irish immigrants to America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand ever returned to their homelands. So the use of the term 'Wake' was
symbolic; just as the dead did not return, nor would the emigrant. The loss was permanent.

The American Wake was the party held on the night before departure. A typical Irish party, it involved food, drink, music, singing, dancing, and
storytelling -- often tales about the emigrant when caught in some mischief or in doing
some kindness.
The practice was not dissimilar to the Wake held after a death except that, instead of
accompanying the dearly departed to the churchyard, friends and relatives would accom-
pany the emigrant on at least the first stages of their journey to the port. There the final
farewells would be said. During the Famine, the wake was toned down, if not held at all.
The Social Consequences of mass Irish emigration

Because the phenomenon of mass Irish emigration was largely prompted by the terrible
catastrophe of the Great Hunger (the 'famine' of the late 1840s), the consequences of
one cannot be separated from the other.

Having been removed from their small strips of land through failure to pay rent, starva-
tion hit the landless and the poorest hardest, as you would expect. Smallholders (ie
those with small farms of just a few acres) also sold up to a large landowner or accepted
their offer of passage to North America. Within a few years, the numbers of farms of less
than five acres had been at least halved in number.

The reality of the famine saw acceptance that farming methods had to change; such
dependence on one crop - the potato - could not be repeated, so more livestock farms
were created.

So, in the second half of the 19th century, Irish emigration typically saw the unskilled, single and young -- the 15- to 24-year-olds -- set sail.
Nearly as many women as men left.

Irish emigration in the 19th century

At least 8 million men, women and children emigrated from Ireland between 1801 and 1921. That number is equal to the total population of the
island in the fourth decade of the 19th century. The high rate of Irish emigration was unequalled in any other country and reflects both the over-
seas demand for immigrant labour and the appalling lack of employment and prospects for the average Irish person.
19th-century emigration from Ireland is usually broken down into three distinct phases:
1815-1845, when 1 million left;
1846-1855, when 2.5 million left; and
1856-1914 when 4 million departed.

These figures are considered underestimates because it is difficult to ascertain the numbers who settled permanently in mainland Britain.
Ireland was still a part of Britain, so travel to or from the mainland was not subject to any scrutiny.
About 80% of Irish immigrants who left their homes in this period were aged between 18 and 30 years old.
As the figures above suggest, Irish emigration levels up to 1847 did not materially reduce the population of Ireland. But in that year, the first
after the potato harvest had failed so spectacularly, the exodus really began. According to figures collated 15 years later, some 215,444 per-
sons emigrated to North America and other British Colonies in that one year alone. This doubled the previous year's figures for Irish emigra-
tion.
Between 1841 and March 1851, North America was the most popular destination while some 300,000 went to Australia. Irish emigration
direct to New Zealand did not get underway until later. An estimated average of 2,000 people emigrated there between 1871 and 1920.
- See more at: http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/Irish-emigration.html#sthash.BFtgsI1J.dpuf
The American Wake
16