James May, born Ballinrobe 1849

James May born Ballinrobe 1849

Lived in PA and Wisconsin

By Pam Marazzini Hays

My maternal great grandfather, James May, was born 3/17/1849 in Ballinrobe and a very devote Catholic. He emigrated to USA in 1871, first to Scranton, PA where he was a coalminer, then to Madison, WI by 1884 where he remained until he died in 1923. I have not been able to confirm the actual area he was from in Ballinrobe.

I have not been able to confirm his parents or siblings names.  I was told by a paid researcher that many Irish used March 17th as their month and day of birth (St. Patrick's Day). 

James married Ellen Hughes in Wisconsin and they had six children: Mary, Martin, James, Hanora, Elizabeth and Winifred Rose. 

When he became a citizen he listed Ballinrobe as his place of birth. I would appreciate if anybody could help me trace the family.

Thank you.

Pam Marazzini Hays in Texas, USA

pmh334@aol.com